Jersey City to light up with carnival parade

Jersey City to light up with carnival parade
Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Founder and President of the Jersey City West Indian Caribbean American Carnival Association Inc., (JCWICACAI), Cheryl DB Murphy said with 1.5 million West Indians in the metro area, the streets of Jersey City will come alive with colorful costumes and revelry when the parade takes to the streets on Saturday, July 22.

The non-profit that kicked off its 22nd Anniversary earlier in the year with a Grand Marshall Meet & Greet Reception at Jersey City City Hall, and continued with activities leading up to the state-wide carnival weekend, will host an After work J’ouvert fete at the LaMexicana 405 Route 440, in Jersey City, on Friday, July 21.

An Annual Carnival Scholarship Breakfast will begin the “turn-up 22 Carnival Parade and festival” of costume spectacle, that will include all Caribbean Islands. The Moko Jumbies, Steepan music, and live music parade, will kick-off at 12:00 pm from Belmont Avenue & JFK Blvd.

The cavalcade will then proceed along the parade route, and judged outside in front of City Hall on Montgomery Street, before climaxing with a Carnival Village at Exchange Place Waterfront Pier.

Performers will include McWassay, Peppa Squad Records Star Boy, Guyana Soca Monarch 2009 Winner, Shelly G, Lyrikal, Lady T, Cory North and Edd Master. Also on the how Carnival celebration, are DJ Natural Yonette Hooper/Glen Miller One Man Band, SB, Diablo 400, Cali Biggs, Gucci Boss and Shawn Shatta.

Murphy who started the Caribbean carnival in Jersey City to engage the melting pot of Caribbean community and other nationalities, is an inspirational figure who throughout the past 21 years has organize community outreach programs such as a scholarship program, arts and cultural events and health fairs, gaining respect from the community along the way.

Her family, community leaders inspired her to give back, as such, she has worked diligently to showcase the beautiful culture and diversity of Jersey City and looks forward to an exciting 22nd year celebration of activities.

In addition to a Children’s Village, spectators will have access to a Health Corner, Carnival Village and After Carnival Community Party Fete.

Murphy thanked the City of Jersey City, Jersey City Municipal Council, Hudson Country Freeholders, Sidewalk University, Golden Krust, Lynx & Company, Jerk Chicken, Chocolate City, Hudson Medical Center, and many, many others sponsors for their support.

Go to Facebook/jerseycitycaribbeancarnival, email jcwicarnival@gmail.com, or call 201-757-9043, for more information.