Thousands celebrate Caribbean heritage at Brooklyn's Junior Carnival Parade

BROOKLYN (PIX11) -- The streets of Brooklyn came alive with vibrant colors and pulsating rhythms as over a thousand young participants showcased their Caribbean culture and talent at the annual Junior Carnival Parade.

This year's event, held at the Brooklyn Museum, marked a significant shift in focus, emphasizing self-expression and individual talents.

Jelanie DeShong, West Indian Day Carnival Board Director, described the transformative approach for this year's celebration. "Historically, we only focused on the pageantry, and this year, we wanted them to express themselves and show their talents," DeShong explained.

The parade featured a sensory feast, from the aroma of authentic jerk chicken to eye-catching costumes. Local food vendor Kelsey Lopez boasted about their unique jerk chicken, saying, "The flavor is different. It's out of this world. You try it. Trust me, you will come every year."

For many families, the event served as a cultural bridge. One mother shared, "What it does for the kids is bring back home to New York. For them to get a taste of what their parents experienced growing up."

Beyond the spectacle, the parade demonstrated its commitment to the community with a Back to School giveaway for over 2,000 kids. A volunteer explained, "We have different organizations that we asked for help to donate backpacks, plus our members donated stuff."

The NYPD advised attendees to use public transportation for the weekend festivities and assured that safety measures were in place for all events.

This vibrant celebration not only showcased the rich Caribbean heritage but also provided a platform for the younger generation to connect with their roots while expressing their unique talents and creativity.