“The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of Steel Pan”: Celebrating the 15th Annual John John Day in Brooklyn

By Chris Tobias | Photos courtesy of Kendell Julien

Each year, Prospect Park in Brooklyn becomes a vibrant hub of culture, music, and unity as the Caribbean diaspora, including you, gathers for one of the most anticipated events in New York City—John John Day. This year, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, the beloved celebration marks its 15th anniversary, bringing with it the infectious rhythms of steel pan, the taste of home-cooked Caribbean cuisine, and a renewed sense of cultural pride.

What is John John Day?

John John Day is more than a cultural gathering—it’s a legacy in motion. Founded by Mr. Kendall, a proud son of John John, Laventille, the event began as a heartfelt response to a community’s desire to reunite outside of funerals and somber occasions. What started as a small reunion among former villagers has grown into a city-wide celebration of Trinbagonian identity, resilience, and love.

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“People were tired of only seeing each other at funerals,” Kendall shares. “They wanted something joyful—something to celebrate life and each other. That’s how John John Day was born.”

The Roots of John John

Nestled in the hills on the outskirts of Port of Spain, the village of John John is historically known for its struggles and its strength. It is a place where, despite economic hardship, the spirit of community thrived. It is also the birthplace of the steel pan, thanks in part to local pioneer Winston “Spree” Simon, whose contributions to music began in the very heart of John John.

Today, that cultural heritage is kept alive in New York through events like John John Day, where the next generation of Caribbean-Americans is introduced to the traditions, stories, and legacy of their parents and grandparents.

2025 Theme: “The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of Music”

This year’s theme draws inspiration from the iconic “Sound of Music” film. The film, like John John, is a story of resilience, love, and the power of music. The ‘Von Trapp family of John John’ will make a grand entrance, complete with handmade costumes crafted from tapestry fabric, reminiscent of the scene where Maria repurposes curtains to make clothes for the children. This reenactment symbolizes our shared journey of turning adversity into art and celebrating our unique cultural identity.

“We’re reenacting that joyful spirit,” says Kendall. “We’ll be marching in with a band, our ‘Juvay’ characters, and dressed in all shades of blue—because every shade represents something unique, just like us.”

A Day of Culture, Music, and Love

The celebration begins at 1:00 PM, allowing those traveling from out of state to arrive, settle in, and enjoy the main event. The park will resonate with the sound of live steel pan music, including a performance by the Philadelphia Pan Stars, a group founded initially in John John under the name Spree Simon Harmonics. Their iconic Panorama-winning song, “A Wine is a Wine”, will surely get the crowd moving. The event will also feature cultural performances, food stalls, and a children’s corner. 

The event also pays tribute to the Tokyo Steel Orchestra, which, after years of dormancy, has returned to the competition scene with impressive results, placing 9th and then 5th in recent years. Their revival is a testament to the power of unity, cultural memory, and grassroots support.

Why It Matters

John John Day is more than entertainment—it’s an act of cultural preservation and defiance against negative stereotypes. “They used to say nothing good comes from John John,” Kendall reflects. “But we’re rewriting the narrative. We may have come from poverty, but we knew love, community, and strength.”

Events like these serve as critical cultural anchors, especially for Caribbean youth growing up in the diaspora. They foster intergenerational dialogue, community pride, and a stronger sense of identity in a foreign land.

Join the Celebration

Whether you’re Trini to the bone or simply love Caribbean culture, John John Day is open to all. Bring your flags, your family, and your appetite for good vibes.

Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn (Parkside Entrance)

Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Main entrance at 4:30 PM)

Celebrate where it all began. As the saying goes, John John so nice, they named it twice.