Mashramani 2018 kicks off with an explosion of sounds and colours!

 

DPI, Guyana, Friday, February 23, 2018

As bands begin to make final preparations and revellers assemble at the first judging point on Camp Road and Thomas Lands, awaiting the much-anticipated Mashramani Costume and Float Parade, onlookers are admiring the costumes, floats and enthusiastic revellers.

It’s Republic Day, Guyana! It’s Mashramani!

Despite it being early, scores of patrons have already begun lining the parapets along the route to enjoy what is expected to be a marvellous display of national pride. Stalls are still being set up and supplies ferried in. The crowd is expected to increase as the day progresses.

GTT/PULSE’s Amazon Gems, Ministry of Education, Social Cohesion, Public Infrastructure, Social Protection, Public Health, Business and Tourism are among some of the bands already on site. Dozens of participants clad in attractively coloured costumes adorned with gems and glistening with glitter and a host of other festive ornaments. More than thirty (30) bands are expected to take part.

The essence of Guyanese culture, our language, food, songs, mineral wealth, rich rainforest, water, people and even the prospective oil industry, will be portrayed in the many floats and costumes.

Onlookers gathering at the starting point of the parade are filled with much anticipation and energy. One participant said, “I’m so excited for today. This is my first time revelling and I could feel the energy and vibe, and I’m so happy that so many people come out to enjoy the mash.”

Free samples of ‘Vitamin C Boosters’ are being offered to patrons to keep them invigorated throughout the day.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, who is leading the entire procession, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) “what we want to do is get people in the mood so by the time the [bigger] floats come around they would be ready to participate actively”.

The parade will see revellers traversing east along Thomas Lands into Vlissingen Road then to the Durban Park for a final display of floats and costumes.

 

By: Nateshia Isaacs