Festive climate at Annual West Indian Day Parade - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Festive climate at Annual West Indian Day Parade

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MYFOXNY.COM -

Thousands of people in Brooklyn attend the festive West Indian Day Parade as the annual celebration honors the culture of the Caribbean Islands and is one of the city's largest outdoor events.  

Eastern Parkway was transformed into a colorful display of Caribbean-American pride and parade watchers came from all over the world to take in the sights and sounds.

The annual Caribbean American Day Parade drew hundreds of thousands of people. The marching bands, floats, colorful costumes delighted the huge crowd on both sides of the Eastern Parkway and Mayor Bloomberg helped get it started.

People waved flags, drumbeats filled the air and women dressed in brightly colored costumes and feather headdresses danced to reggae music as they marched parade.

The extravaganza seemed to go smoothly with police maintaining an orderly parade and crowd control so everyone could enjoy the festivities. 

Last year's YouTube controversy of police seductively dancing while on duty with parade dancers was replaced by the New York's Finest at their best.

Another thing that was replaced, at least early in the day, was the violence that marred last year's parade -- violence that included the stray bullet shooting of an innocent bystander.  

Another popular feature of the parade is the Caribbean food as the street side stands gave provided an island flavor and energy to watch for hours as revelers took it all in.   

People here say they'll carry the memory of this rich experience with them for years to come.

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