Carnival time in Brooklyn arrived on Saturday as children marched in their own parade in anticipation of the West Indian American Day Carnival.

The annual Junior Carnival stepped off from Kingston Avenue and St. John's Place in Crown Heights in the morning.

For more than two decades on the Saturday before Labor Day, the organizers of the West Indian American Day parade have put hundreds of children in colorful costumes front and center, in honor of their Caribbean heritage.

Parents and organizers said the tradition of wearing the beautiful and intricate traditional costumes connects youth with their culture and helps keep it alive.

"It's a wonderful tradition that we want to make sure they understand and continue," said a parent.

"It's the excitement. The music, it gets you going. It gets you going," said another parent.

"I was so excited to be a part of this because last year I saw how awesome it looked," said a young participant.

Ten-year-old Ivy was enthused to take part in her first Junior Carnival.

"It looked interesting and fun and the costumes were very bright and it made me want to do it," she said.

Ivy's mother said she wants to make sure her daughter knows the true meaning behind the parade, beyond the glitz and glamour.

"Being that I am of Caribbean descent. Trinidad is where my parents are from and her dad is from Jamaica," said the mother. "It's important for her to know about her culture -- the dancing part, where each costume is based."

The 43rd annual West Indian American Day Carnival will take place on Monday. Thousands of people are expected to flock to Eastern Parkway to watch the floats and celebrate Caribbean pride.

"Because of the culture and the people, it's a lot of fun. We look forward to this every year," said an onlooker.

For more information, visit wiadca.com.