J’ouvert is a wild, pre-dawn street masquerade that marks the beginning of Caribbean Carnival. It’s a tradition that represents rebellion and freedom from slavery for West Indian communities around the world. New York City’s J’ouvert is one of the most famous, bringing out more than 250,000 revelers every year who party through the night dressed in elaborate costumes or smothered in paint and powder. While J’ouvert is a cultural cornerstone for the city, it’s become a subject of controversy. Over the past decade, more than 20 people have been shot and killed in and around the festival, leading many to associate the event with violence. WATCH NEXT: Director Barry Jenkins on Creating Empathy Through His Film 'Moonlight': bit.ly/2f10Glt Click here to subscribe to VICE: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE Check out our full video catalog: bit.ly/VICE-Videos Videos, daily editorial and more: vice.com More videos from the VICE network: www.fb.com/vicevideo Like VICE on Facebook: fb.com/vice Follow VICE on Twitter: twitter.com/vice Read our Tumblr: vicemag.tumblr.com Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/vice Check out our Pinterest: pinterest.com/vicemag Download VICE on iOS: apple.co/28Vgmqz Download VICE on Android: bit.ly/28S8Et0

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