A Peek Inside The Elaborate Preparations For J'Ouvert 2018

Mas band leader (and Brooklyn J'Ouvert legend) Roy Pierre explains his nautical "All Hands On Deck" theme for 2018.

Mas band leader (and Brooklyn J'Ouvert legend) Roy Pierre explains his nautical "All Hands On Deck" theme for 2018.

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Mas band leader (and Brooklyn J'Ouvert legend) Roy Pierre explains his nautical "All Hands On Deck" theme for 2018.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

Despers, one of the best-known steel bands in Brooklyn's West Indian community, practices in its cramped industrial space in Crown Heights.

Despers, one of the best-known steel bands in Brooklyn's West Indian community, practices in its cramped industrial space in Crown Heights.

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Despers, one of the best-known steel bands in Brooklyn's West Indian community, practices in its cramped industrial space in Crown Heights.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

This year, Mas band Carenage has opted to blend traditional Caribbean styles with the 'Black Panther'-inspired theme of Wakanda.

This year, Mas band Carenage has opted to blend traditional Caribbean styles with the 'Black Panther'-inspired theme of Wakanda.

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This year, Mas band Carenage has opted to blend traditional Caribbean styles with the 'Black Panther'-inspired theme of Wakanda.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

Dawn Nedd plays shaker at an evening Kutters Rhythm Section practice last Thursday in East Flatbush.

Dawn Nedd plays shaker at an evening Kutters Rhythm Section practice last Thursday in East Flatbush.

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Dawn Nedd plays shaker at an evening Kutters Rhythm Section practice last Thursday in East Flatbush.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

Carenage Mas Camp on Rogers Avenue in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.

Carenage Mas Camp on Rogers Avenue in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.

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Carenage Mas Camp on Rogers Avenue in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

Kendall Julien of Republic of John John Mas stands wearing a Panama hat, in keeping with his band's 2018 theme.

Kendall Julien of Republic of John John Mas stands wearing a Panama hat, in keeping with his band's 2018 theme.

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Kendall Julien of Republic of John John Mas stands wearing a Panama hat, in keeping with his band's 2018 theme.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

Mas outfit options fill a poster at the Pagwah Mas camp in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Mas outfit options fill a poster at the Pagwah Mas camp in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

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Mas outfit options fill a poster at the Pagwah Mas camp in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

James Alleyne plays the Tassa Bass drum at an evening Kutters Rhythm Section practice last Thursday in East Flatbush.

James Alleyne plays the Tassa Bass drum at an evening Kutters Rhythm Section practice last Thursday in East Flatbush.

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James Alleyne plays the Tassa Bass drum at an evening Kutters Rhythm Section practice last Thursday in East Flatbush.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

After heavy rains damaged their large pan yard, Kutters Freedom Section practices in an improvised space on a front porch in East Flatbush.

After heavy rains damaged their large pan yard, Kutters Freedom Section practices in an improvised space on a front porch in East Flatbush.

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After heavy rains damaged their large pan yard, Kutters Freedom Section practices in an improvised space on a front porch in East Flatbush.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

Natty Keith shouts along to a Kutters Rhythm Section practice session in East Flatbush last Thursday night.

Natty Keith shouts along to a Kutters Rhythm Section practice session in East Flatbush last Thursday night.

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Natty Keith shouts along to a Kutters Rhythm Section practice session in East Flatbush last Thursday night.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

Despers, one of the best-known steel bands in Brooklyn's West Indian community, practices in its cramped industrial space in Crown Heights.

Despers, one of the best-known steel bands in Brooklyn's West Indian community, practices in its cramped industrial space in Crown Heights.

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Despers, one of the best-known steel bands in Brooklyn's West Indian community, practices in its cramped industrial space in Crown Heights.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

Despers, one of the best-known steel bands in Brooklyn's West Indian community, practices in its cramped industrial space in Crown Heights.

Despers, one of the best-known steel bands in Brooklyn's West Indian community, practices in its cramped industrial space in Crown Heights.

d8a87afbc082718jouverttour-13-jpg.jpeg

Despers, one of the best-known steel bands in Brooklyn's West Indian community, practices in its cramped industrial space in Crown Heights.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

Despers, one of the best-known steel bands in Brooklyn's West Indian community, practices in its cramped industrial space in Crown Heights.

Despers, one of the best-known steel bands in Brooklyn's West Indian community, practices in its cramped industrial space in Crown Heights.

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Despers, one of the best-known steel bands in Brooklyn's West Indian community, practices in its cramped industrial space in Crown Heights.

Scott Heins / Gothamist

Noodles, chicken, and macaroni dishes at Carenage Mas camp.

Noodles, chicken, and macaroni dishes at Carenage Mas camp.

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Noodles, chicken, and macaroni dishes at Carenage Mas camp.

Scott Heins / Gothamist