Catholic J’Ouvert

Though the police officers did not allow anyone to go on the street to start the J’Ouvert portion of the West Indian Day Carnival Celebration until 3 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 3, Catholics started celebrating on Sunday afternoon in St. Matthew Church on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights.

Skipping a Storm and Celebrating a Culture

That the West Indian Day Parade actually took place at all was something of a miracle. For days, weather forecasters had predicted dire possibilities from Hurricane Hermine. The storm took a fortunate turn out to sea and Labor Day turned out to be a beautifully sunny day along Eastern Pkwy. in Crown Heights where the annual festival is held.