Overview:
On June 1st, Haitians gathered in Central Park West to celebrate their legacy of independence and revolution with floats, dancers and musician Wyclef Jean.
MANHATTAN—Hundreds of Haitians kicked off parade along Central Park West, for the second time in as many years, with a troupe of police officers marching to konpa beats flying from a car-led speaker. The Haitian Day Parade NYC featured a kaleidoscope of colors – shining yellows, soft blues, browns and reds – that reflected Vodou traditions and floats commemorating Toussaint Louverture and promoting various Haitian organizations during its procession from 86th Street to 66th Street.
Parade Grand Marshal Wyclef Jean was joined by Assemblymember Rodneyse Bitchotte Hermelyn and New York City Councilmember Farah Louis, as they danced and sang his Fugee hits. The responsive crowd followed Jean’s chants and applauded his sentiments about changes needed in Haiti.
Here are some photos from the day, all by Gabrielle Pascal.
Parade participants march, sing, dance and wave Haitian and American flags, while holding a banner celebrating the traditions of Vodou.
Wyclef Jean (in glasses), serving as this year’s Grand Marshal, with Asseemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn (upper left), New York City Councilmember Farah Louis (upper right) and other organizers.
Parade participants pose on the outskirts of the festivities.
A mambo, Vodou priestess, dances along the parade route.
Performers wave their Haitian flags and dance down the streets bordering Central Park West.
A group of parade queens in festive clothing wave to bystanders from their float.
Two performers, in the middle of a dance, slide against each other’s backs.
A parade queen stops outside the barricades to have a chat with two young boys.