With the West Indian American Day Carnival just days away, many are excited to have it back for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

"It's something we love to do. We love to represent our culture," said Andrew Vieux, who launched Banbochemas in 2018, where he designs costumes used in the carnival. "Whether you're Jamaican, Haitian, Guyanese, Trini, we love to represent our culture in our way."

Vieux says that preparations for the carnival start as early as February, and usually the costumes he designs come from a specific theme.

With so many designs and costumes showcased along Eastern Parkway for the carnival every Labor Day weekend, Vieux says it's the costume's meaning that makes it unique.

"Every designer has their own way of making costumes. The only thing that would set you apart from the rest is not how good it looks but it's the meaning behind it," said Vieux.

He says that as soon as the carnival in New York is done, he and his friend are going to start prepping for the Miami Broward Carnival in October.