Thousands gather in Brooklyn to celebrate Caribbean culture

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (PIX11) -- To many, it’s the best party of the year and it lasts for four days!

The West Indian American Day Parade officially is tomorrow, but there are so many events leading up to it. It’s one of the biggest reggae outdoor dance parties in Brooklyn in years.

Thousands gathered behind the Brooklyn Museum in a celebration of Caribbean culture. For many, this was an intergenerational warm-up to the West Indian American Day Parade.

“Both my parents are from Jamaica, Kingston, and Portland,” Leah Allen, a concertgoer, told PIX11 News. “They immigrated here when they were kids and I listened to reggae in the house when I was a kid.  Sizzla is one of my favorite reggae artists and one of my mom’s reggae favorites and my mom is here somewhere on the VIP side,” she added.

Tickets started at $70 to hear Sizzla Kolanji,  Spragga Benz, and Bob Marley’s grandson, YG.

“He’s ushering in the new wave of reggae, which is all over the world,” Sherry Morgan, the manager of Soundchat radio in Jamaica, Queens, told PIX11 News. “It’s good to have young people taking this vibe and excitement and keeping the culture,” she added.

The concert producer, Danger Mental, added: “Sizzla hasn’t done a live show in New York in six years. Spragga Benz is rarely seen doing one and YG Marley is on fire right now,” he added.

“I’m a workaholic, but it will be my first time at the parade, first time at this concert,” Cheyanne Smith, a concertgoer, told PIX11 News. “It’s a summer of firsts for me,” she added.

Close to 2 million people are expected to participate or watch the parade. It starts at Lincoln Terrace Park in Crown Heights at 11 AM and ends at Grand Army Plaza seven hours later. Security will be tight with drones in the air as well as lots of police officers on the ground.

“The whole West Indian Day weekend is about the preservation of our culture and heritage,” Jahmain Jonas, a concertgoer, told PIX11 News.

“I love it 110%,” Bryan McKenzie, another concertgoer, told PIX11 News. “I hope it stays forever, not only for me but for my children and grandchildren,” he added.