Written by Nick Simard on 1.09.16
One of the best things about New York City is the diversity of the people who live here. Each month, there’s at least a dozen festivals that you could attend that celebrate New York’s different cultures. This month, among events that focus on everything from cinema to food, are two beloved festivals: the West Indian-American Day Carnival and Oktoberfest. Both of these festivals bring together food, music and costumes to create something unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced. So this month, commit to exploring the city to enjoy one of these great events.
West Indian-American Day Carnival
Monday, September 5, 2016
The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Labor Day, but you should know that there’s plenty to do before and after the main event. If you’re an early morning riser, call your friends, leave your apartment in NYC and look for J’ouvert, which are the pre-game parties that start as the sun rises.
The actual West Indian-American Day Carnival lasts for seven hours, so after the parade, be sure to give yourself enough time to sample the many Caribbean delicacies sold by vendors throughout Crown Heights. You’ll also be able to listen to the calypso bands, which often stick around after the parade to entertain revelers.
Oktoberfest in Central Park
Saturday, September 17, 2016
If you live near the Upper East Side, you can easily walk to this celebration of German culture held in Central Park. Every year, tickets to Oktoberfest sell out, so make plans early if you want to attend. When you go to Oktoberfest, bring some friend to help you sample dozens of German beers sold by the pitcher. There’s also plenty of bands to enjoy, or you could watch the 8th annual National Masskrugstemmen Championship to pick up some stein-holding tips.
Even if you can’t get tickets, watch the German-American Steuben Parade as it marches up Fifth Avenue and ends at 86th street. The three-hour parade contains dancers, bands, people in authentic costumes and members of many German clubs who want to honor their culture.
Due to the amount of celebrations that occur every month in New York City, it can be easy to overlook these great festivals. However, if you can afford to take some time out of your weekend schedule, you’ll be richly rewarded with glimpses into the cultures of the West Indies and Germany.
Topics: NYC Apartments
