Increased security and more sunlight hope to protect this year’s J’Ouvert
In an effort to curb violence at Brooklyn’s J’Ouvert festival, organizers and city officials announced Monday they are increasing security and starting festivities two hours later this year.
Hundreds of thousands of people come out each year on Labor Day to celebrate the Caribbean celebration of J’Ouvert, which sprouted from the French term, “daybreak.”
This year, the festivities will begin at 6 a.m. rather than the traditional 4 a.m., allowing for about a half hour before sunrise, a move that police think will help deter violence, according to a statement.