NEW YORK (AP) — The West Indian American Day Parade in New York City, known for being one of the largest global gatherings celebrating Caribbean culture, launched Monday with an explosion of vibrant costumes, lively flags, and the irresistible beats of soca and reggae music.

Drawing in crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands, this parade has also been a key attraction for local politicians, many with ties to the West Indian community or representing the city’s significant Caribbean population. With the city’s mayoral election on the horizon in November, the event saw heightened political presence as candidates sought recognition and support.

Mayor Eric Adams, pursuing another term as an independent, joined Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul to officially commence the parade by cutting a ceremonial ribbon, observed by civil rights icon Rev. Al Sharpton.

Present among the political contenders were several challengers of Adams’ reelection bid. State Assemblyman and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani added a festive touch with a traditional Caribbean dance. Meanwhile, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running for mayor as an independent, offered a thumbs-up to the spectators. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, donned in his signature red Guardian Angels beret, greeted the crowd with a wave.

The parade also saw increased security after a fatal shooting at last year’s event.

The NYPD, ensuring security, deployed thousands of officers, along with helicopters and drones, and set up barriers to maintain a clear path between the parade participants and the throngs of viewers along the nearly 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) route in Brooklyn, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

This event marked the largest police deployment of the year, Tisch noted, exceeding those stationed for New Year’s Eve festivities in Times Square or the July Fourth fireworks display over the East River.

“We are not going to allow one or two individuals to spoil the festivities,” Adams said at a Friday press briefing, noting that there were no specific or credible threats against the parade.

The annual Labor Day event fills Eastern Parkway from Crown Heights to the Brooklyn Museum. It’s the culmination of days of carnival events in the city, which include steel pan band performances and J’Ouvert, a separate street party earlier in the day that commemorates freedom from slavery.

Last year, one person was killed and four others were wounded in the shooting along the parade route. Tisch said Friday that police are still looking for the shooter.