Diamond Jubilee 2026

Parade Rules & Guidelines

Official participation rules for the Guyana Diamond Jubilee Independence Parade and Unity Celebration in Brooklyn on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Parade Date Sunday, June 7, 2026
Assembly Church & Utica Ave, Brooklyn
Start Time 12:00 p.m. (noon)
Unity Concert 3:00 p.m. · 10101 Foster Ave

Overview

The Guyana Independence Celebration Committee New York invites Guyanese performers, dancers, musical bands, costume bands, marching bands, steel pan orchestras, community and cultural groups, corporations, businesses, costume designers, and Guyanese from all ethnic backgrounds to participate in the Diamond Jubilee Independence Parade on Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Brooklyn.

This carnival-style parade showcases Guyana’s heritage, culture, natural beauty, and history through geographic contingents, costume bands, floats, and music trucks as revelers celebrate 60 years of Independence under the theme “Feel The Riddim Of The Nation @ 60.”

The procession concludes at the Unity Concert venue in Canarsie, Brooklyn. Organizations or businesses wishing to place a music truck in the parade should contact the Committee at 347-292-8551 or Guyanaindependencecomnyc@gmail.com.

Parade Start Concert Venue

2026 Parade Route

  1. Start at Church & Utica Avenue, Brooklyn at 12:00 p.m.
  2. Proceed right onto Linden Boulevard
  3. Proceed right onto Rockaway Avenue
  4. Proceed left onto Avenue D
  5. Proceed right onto East 101st Street to Foster Avenue
  6. Unity Concert at 3:00 p.m. — 10101 Foster Avenue, corner of East 101st Street, Canarsie, Brooklyn

The NYPD may adjust the route to ensure public safety and smooth procession. See the Independence Parade page for the latest route announcement.

Call for Designers, Band & Section Leaders

Costume designers and band leaders who wish to design costumes and/or enter bands in the parade must register with the Committee and begin preparations promptly. Register online at Register For Events.

Participation Categories

1. Costume Bands

  • Costume bands comprise participants and masqueraders in full costume wear only. Costumes must be acquired from a participating designer.
  • Masqueraders must register with a participating costume band for a fee and comply with the rules of the band and parade.
  • Designers and bandleaders may form costume bands and/or design costumes and floats at their own expense, then register with the Committee.
  • Band leaders and designers are responsible for their own promotion, marketing, and sales, and must indemnify the Committee from related liabilities.
  • The Committee may arrange music trucks at the expense of band leaders to ensure compliance with Committee protocols and New York State law.

2. Geographic Contingents

  • Geographic contingents represent broad regions of Guyana and major towns across five sections.
  • Section 1: East Coast, East Bank, West Coast, and West Bank Demerara
  • Section 2: Georgetown
  • Section 3: Linden
  • Section 4: Berbice
  • Section 5: Essequibo
  • Each section will be designated a color of the Guyana flag. The Committee provides official celebration T-shirts for a fee.
  • Each section must have a team leader responsible for promotion and mobilization within its geographic area.
  • Sections must select a New York City location for their camp and meeting place.
  • One or more sections may be accompanied by an entertainment truck arranged by the Committee.

General Parade Rules

  1. Costume bands and sections with children must keep children at least 100 feet from trucks and on the opposite side of passing traffic.
  2. Each costume band, entertainment truck, and parade vehicle must present proof of liability insurance for the date and period of the parade.
  3. Sections may solicit donations from Guyanese business owners and display banners on section trucks.
  4. Section leaders must ensure revelers comply with the law, parade rules, and Committee directives.
  5. Section and band leaders must attend meetings with the Committee and serve as the liaison with their group.
  6. All trucks are subject to inspection by the NYPD.
  7. All costume bands must arrive by the designated time for inspection and placement. Late arrivals may be inspected at the discretion of the Committee and NYPD, and participation is not guaranteed.
  8. The NYPD and/or the Committee has the final decision on moving or stopping the parade.
  9. Each band, truck, or section may be accompanied by a NYPD officer who communicates decisions regarding movement along the route.

Procession Guidelines

  1. All bands and bandleaders must arrive at the designated parade start location by the designated time.
  2. The parade starts at Church and Utica Avenue, Brooklyn at 12:00 p.m.
  3. Trucks may park overnight in a designated area near the route to reduce delays on parade day. No truck may remain after the parade.
  4. A drawing determines the order in which bands and sections depart. The order may not be changed. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
  5. All DJs must turn music off or lower volume when instructed by the NYPD or the Committee. Failure to comply may result in expulsion from the parade.
  6. All participation fees must be paid in advance or the band will not be allowed to participate.
  7. All participants must comply with all rules and laws. Violations may result in prohibition from participating or expulsion from the parade.

Rickford Burke

Chairman, Parade Sub-Committee
Guyana Independence Celebration Committee New York