HUNDREDS of excited Jamaicans yesterday lined the streets of the capital, Kingston, to get a glimpse of the vibrant Independence float parade as the Caribbean nation celebrated its 47th anniversary.

“Bwoy it nice, mi have mi pot on fire and it’s like me cyaan move, it just nice to see everybody so happy,” said one woman who had left her workplace on Lady Musgrave Road to watch the parade.

“Mi nah work next year if mi live for mi have to follow it,” she told the Observer.

The floats on parade were ‘A Suh We Like It’, presented by groups from Pasmore Gardens, Federal Gardens, Jones Town and Craig Town in Kingston; ‘The Great Revival’, by West Kingston; ‘Kas Kas’ by Olympic Gardens, Waltham Gardens and Majestic Gardens in Kingston; and ‘World Beaters’ by communities in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

Onlookers of all ages and sizes braved the scorching heat as they stood mesmerised by the colourful and creatively designed floats which were accompanied by bright, colourful costume groups who danced and pranced to popular festival songs, soca music and dancehall hits from several flatbed trucks.

Also included in the exciting parade were classic vintage cars with popular personalities such as Miss Jamaica 2007 Yendi Philips, talk-show host Susan Simes and entertainer Kris Kelli.

Motorcyclists, mascots and marching bands also provided their fair share of entertainment.

The spectators, most of whom were decked out in the Jamaican colours of black, green and gold, gave the parade rave reviews, describing it as spectacular and exciting.

“It’s a good thing for Jamaica because anything that can bring Jamaicans out together without violence is good,” said Tafari Babatunde, who had his two children, Tamoneika and Deondre, with him.

“It’s going on good and am really enjoying the bands,” said André Miller, who came out to give his young daughter a taste of the festivities.

The smaller children who were out in their numbers loved every moment of the event. “I like the music, the dancing and the troupes,” said young Anice Laguere.

A woman who gave her name only as Paulette, however, had a mixed view on the parade.

“It’s good. but some of that vulgarity can come out,” she said, pointing to a group of dancers who were gyrating on each other carnival-style. “We are celebrating 47 years of Independence, we are not celebrating vulgarity,” she said.

The parade, which started at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Hope Road and ended at the Digicel car park at the intersection of Lady Musgrave Road and Fairway Avenue, covered routes along Old Hope Road, Half-Way-Tree Road and Cross Road.