Thousands of people turned out in Flatbush, Brooklyn on Saturday for the first-ever Jamaica Rising Day Parade — not just in New York City, but in the entire United States. The parade stepped off at 11 a.m. from Church and Ocean Avenues and made its way north along Ocean Avenue near Empire Boulevard, celebrating Jamaica’s 64th year of independence (Aug. 6 marks the end of more than three centuries of British rule). Organizer Bill Tinglin told Gothamist he wanted to make a joyful statement: “Yes, Jamaica is raising its flag, and here we are, the first of its kind in the United States, and let’s just enjoy the joy.” DJ Danglez of Federation Sound anchored the festivities with reggae, dancehall, soca, and R&B. The parade was one of several massive cultural events filling NYC that weekend, including the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, the Giglio Feast in East Harlem, Summer Streets, and the 44th annual Dominican Day Parade — a reminder that August in New York is bonkers with free, community-driven celebrations. The Jamaica Rising Day Parade plans to return annually, giving Flatbush a new anchor event on the city’s summer festival calendar.