Every since I was a child, I questioned the organization of our society's 7 day week. I've always wondered why we worked more than we played and believed that our work days should be shorter and our weekends longer. Unfortunately, me and a million other people who would like that will never see the day. However, today was Labor Day and it was an amazing day! While most either enjoyed a day at home, spent time with their family, or played at the park with their pet, I spent my day at the West Indian-American Day Carnival.
My family and I are from Belize and I have been attending the West Indian-American Day Carnival from a small child. This is an annual event of our culture and my sister and I couldn't miss it.
You have choices when attending this event. You can attend as a spectator and watch the festivities unfold in front of you or you can attend as a participant in a "mas camp" short for masquerade camp. These masquerade camps are created by various organizations within the community.
I've always wanted to play "mas" like this lovely young lady from the Dingolay Mas NYC camp. However, I've never had the chance to join a camp. (I definitely plan on joining one next year.) If you plan to be a spectator like me you have the alternative of buying hand made attire. I bought my Bealizean skirt and bandanna from the Flatbush Flea Market on Caton Avenue and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.
I had a wonderful day today on Eastern Parkway. I put together a cute outfit for the occasion, sang, danced, and enjoyed all the festivities associated with this carnival. If you have never attended the West Indian- American Day Carnival come on out! You're truly missing out on an amazing cultural experience of the West Indian Islands.
Thanks for reading!
xoxo,
Monique