You didn't have to travel far to feel like you were in the Caribbean Saturday. NY1's Leisha Majtan filed this report about the first-ever Rockaway Caribbean Carnival.
From the music to the dancing, many spectators say it's hard to believe they were in Far Rockaway and not the Caribbean.
"This is a good time, a good place where people can come together in unity and listen to the music! Dance and music bring people together," said one festival-goer.
Thousands celebrated the first-ever Rockaway Caribbean Carnival Saturday.
The colorful parade kicked off the festivities on Mott Avenue and Beach 20th Street.
Locals lined the streets waving their countries' flags with pride.
"I am Jamaica all the way!" said one Far Rockaway resident.
"Trinidad and Tobago! Trini!" said one Brooklyn resident.
The parade ended on Seagirt Boulevard and Beach 17th Street where hundreds were greeted with traditional food, live music, and dancing.
Festival-goers say it was a great way to celebrate the City's diversity.
"Out of many, we are one. That's the motto of Trinidad -- together we aspire, together we achieve," said one woman who marched in the parade.
"It doesn't matter where you're from. Everyone likes the beat of the drums! They're partying and enjoying themselves,” said a Far Rockaway woman.
Senator James Sanders and the West Indian American Day Carnival Association organized Saturday's events.
D.J.s, musicians, and dance troupes from all over the City and Long Island were invited to perform.
"It's a lot of fun! The music keeps us energized and we feed off of everybody else that's dancing," said one girl who marched in the parade.
And for many, that energy served as a reminder of their roots.
"Some people can't go back home so this is like a little piece of home for them," said one performer.
Organizers say they plan to bring the sights and sounds of the Caribbean back to the borough next year.