As J’ouvert returns to the streets of Brooklyn, people will once again dress in outlandish clothing to represent folkloric characters.
Early in the morning on Labor Day, the melodic sounds of steel-pan drumming and the roar of cheering crowds will awaken many New Yorkers as the Caribbean celebration J’ouvert rolls through Brooklyn streets. J’ouvert, French for “break of day,” marks the beginning of the West Indian Day Parade and Carnival. It hasn't happened on an official level in New York City since 2019 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
After emancipation came on Aug. 1, 1838, J’ouvert evolved into a commemoration of newfound freedom. The pre-Carnival celebration typically starts before sunrise, around 3 or 4 a.m., and carries on until the start of the Day Parade mid-morning. “You can go from island to island and see the Jab in various forms,” she explained. “You can see them sometimes blackened in European clothing, or you could see them blackened with chains around their neck and horns.” In addition to whips and chains, people portraying Jab might carry pitchforks, and can be painted in blue, red, or green instead of black.A Moko Jumbie player at Brooklyn J'ouvert in 2018.
“He in some cultures is a shaman or a diviner,” Byam said. “When the slaves think about Moko Jumbie, they also think of him as a kind of spirit or ghost. He was on those stilts because he could sort of look over the crowd and protect the village.”Bell said the Dame Lorraine character became a vehicle for criticism of the French aristocracy.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
J'ouvert street closures start at 11 p.m. Sunday before West Indian Day Parade in BrooklynJ'ouvert street closures start at 11 p.m. tonight before a day of celebrations Monday in Brooklyn.
Read more »
J'Ouvert 2022 in BrooklynThe 2022 J'Ouvert celebration will be back to its full in-person festival in Brooklyn for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more »
Friends think Notorious B.I.G.’s daughter is ‘stupid’ to post beau’s $1M bailPals are horrified that T’yanna Wallace put up her $1.5 million Brooklyn home as collateral for her baby’s father, Tyshawn Baldwin, after his arrest.
Read more »
Knitting Factory closes shop in Brooklyn for a Manhattan returnThe venue is moving to the East Village next year. And regulars of the Williamsburg comedy and music locale said it will be sorely missed.
Read more »
J'Ouvert and West Indian American Day Parade Back After 2-Year HiatusThe widely celebrated West Indian American Day Carnival parade is entering its 55th year and will be back in full swing after modifications due to the pandemic. Participants are expected to flood the parkway this weekend for a range of events after celebrating virtually in past years. To say that many are happy to be back celebrating in person may…
Read more »