Revelers participate during the West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) - Steel bands and revelers sporting elaborate costumes, Caribbean flags and some rain ponchos are marching and dancing in a West Indian American Day Parade dampened by weather and awash in cultural pride.
The annual parade in Brooklyn is one of the nation's largest celebrations of Caribbean heritage. It starts after an early morning celebration called J'Ouvert (joo-VAY').
Monday's parade unfolded under on-and-off rain and security that has been tightened in recent years after past outbreaks of violence.
Policing of the parade has also been an issue at times. Then-City Councilman Jumaane (joo-MAH'-nee) Williams and another official were detained while trying to get to a parade event in 2011.
Williams, a Democrat, is now the city's elected public advocate and a parade grand marshal.
Revelers participate during the West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
The Associated Press
Revelers participate during the West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 2, 2019 (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
The Associated Press
Revelers participate in the West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 2, 2019 (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
The Associated Press
Revelers participate in the West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
The Associated Press
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, left, smiles for a photo during the West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
The Associated Press
Mayor Bill de Blasio participates during the West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
The Associated Press