2020 Caribbean Parade cancellation is not good for NYC (PHOTOS from past years).

Tuesday, August 25, 2020. New York City – Due to COVID-19, the 2020 West Indian Day Parade was cancelled.

I have been covering the Caribbean Parade for many years. Photos below from different years.

NY1 reports, “Since last fall, Brooklyn designer Marlon Smart has received hundreds of orders for colorful handmade costumes for people to wear in this year’s West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn.

But his handiwork will not be on displaythis year.

“It is, was and has been highly devastating,” said Smart, the head designer at his business, Designed By Marlon Smart.”

Every year people travel to New York City from different states and countries for the Caribbean carnival in Brooklyn, New York City. This year the carnival was cancelled. People will not travel to New York City. Businesses will lose money.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON – VIRTUALLY!

West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) organizers say on wiadcacarnival.org, “The WIADCA legacy continues uninterrupted. For 2020, we go viral as we inaugurate our 53^rdyear using technology and digital media. COVID-19 will not break us. We refuse to give in – as the tip of the spear that leads into the future, the show must go on for generations to come.”

This is their press release.

“As WIADCA celebrates a historical 53^rd milestone, they are taking it back to how it all began – Back to Love. This was the premise in which a group of Caribbean migrants (Lionel Rufus Gorin, Camilla Gorin Frank, Carlos Lezama, Allister Yarde, Mildred Scott, Polly Phillips, Caldera Caraballo, Lester Isaacs and others) came together to form WIADCA – an anchor institution that produces North America’s largest Caribbean cultural festival along with several year-round impactful community programs (YouthFest formerly ‘Stay in School’ originally conceptualized by Marta Vega Founder of Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute and Junior Carnival Parade created by longtime WIADCA member Joyce Quamina).

“We will not give in to COVID-19,” said WIADCA Board Chair and longtime member Angela Sealy. “We will celebrate our collective heritage, our joy and creative expressions in every way we can, safely. Concern for our fellow citizens requires that we follow guidelines set by the Mayor, the Governor and local and state health officials, and virtual is the way to go. It is our future. See you in 2021,” Chairlady Sealy continued.

“The spirit of love is what guides us. As we embark on a new era, we hold fast to the notion that trials, tribulations, challenges, nor COVID will break us or disrupt our mission to represent our culture and contributions. Look out for new talent, new programs and a new generation of Caribbean leaders from WIADCA. See you on our virtual stage.” Michelle Gibbs-Francis, WIADCA Board Member and Marketing Chair.

“This year’s virtual events are an exciting new way to celebrate and promote the vibrancy of Caribbean culture to New York City and beyond, and we are thrilled to be a part of them!”, Victoria Schneps, President & Publisher Schneps Media.

NEW YORK CARNIVAL 2020 – SCHEDULE OF VIRTUAL EVENTS

Friday, August 28^th, 2020

International YOUTH FEST 2020 | 6:00 – 8:00pm

A virtual end of summer Caribbean Talent showcase promoting performing arts and cultural diversity where ALL performances are welcome! Virtual admission: Donations are appreciated

Friday, September 4^th

NY Carnival BRASS FEST | 8:00-11:00pm

Let’s get BACK TO LOVE. Join us for New York Carnival’s first virtual music fest hosted by MC Wassy and Giselle D Wassi One! An experience that requires No curtain, No fancy stage, just pure LOVE and Vibes. In safety, distanced at home, enjoy Caribbean music Ambassadors Tabou Combo (celebrating 52^nd year Anniversary), Kes the Band, Nailah Blackman, Teddyson John, Farmer Nappy, DJ Stakz and more as they bring Soca, Afrobeats, Reggae & Kompa sounds direct to you!

Virtual admission: Donations are appreciated

Monday, September 7^th, 2020

New York Carnival ‘ONE LOVE’ VIRTUAL ROAD | 9:00am – 9:00pm

9:00 – 10:00am

Are you ready for Brooklyn’s first virtual Carnival experience! In unity with our partners we acknowledge our supporters, elected officials, essential workers and those we lost as Virtual Marshals this year – marking our City’s strength and resilience in the midst of asignificant cultural crossroads. At home, viewers can tune in live (FB/IG/Carnival.nyc) to view Carnival celebrations, partner messages and performances as we celebrate in solidarity together. For questions or more info, please DM us on IG or FB @wiadca. Donations for year-round community programs are appreciated

10:00am – 9:00pm

Get ready for the virtual ROAD!!! Join us along with popular DJ’s like Intn’l DJ Spice, DJ Stakz and more as we celebrate a colorful, interactive, and festive New York Carnival 2020. For our loyal COSTUMED (full or partial) masqueraders, you can rock your DIY designs on ZOOM! Register on https://www.ticketgateway.com/nycarnivalvirtualroad to receive your link.”

Click the link for more information: http://wiadcacarnival.org/2020/08/22/the-show-must-go-on-virtually/