Mashramani 2019 hits the mark
−as new parade route welcomed by spectators.
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, February 23, 2019
Thousands of Guyanese came out today to catch a glimpse of the annual Mashramani celebrations in the capital city, many of whom welcomed the 2019 mash route.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke with several persons on the road, many of whom said this year’s celebration was better than the last.
Among these satisfied spectators was Debbie (only name given) who said she believe this year’s mash route is the best thus far.
For 2019 the route saw the Costume and Float parade converging at Carifesta and Camp Street before proceeding east along the northern carriageway of Carifesta Avenue, turning south onto Vlissengen Road, continuing south and then proceeding east into D’Urban Park.
“It is going very well, better than last year when I didn’t get to see all the floats, but this year is very great and we are just enjoying right now,” Debbie said.
Others like Shauna Hughes and her family of eight walked along Vlissengen Road taking in the all the sights and sounds for the first time as a family.
Latoya, a vendor who has been selling at Mashramani parades for the past 15 years, said both she and her daughters were excited for the day as she anticipated the eye-catching floats and colourful revellers. She explained that her daughters were so excited that they opted to dress in costumes of their own to commemorate the day.
For Indranie and her family from Essequibo, the trip to the City was not only to participate in the festivities but also show their support to their regional representatives whom they waited anxiously to see.
Meanwhile, Royden Thomas, a snow cone vendor, explained that the celebration of the national event always results in an increased sale for his business which he appreciates.
“On Mash day you double your sales,” he told the DPI.
This year’s Mashramani Parade featured 27 participating floats including a number of government ministries and private companies which bands varying in size from Semi-costume-small to Full costume-large and Party truck.
These include the Alignment Arts; Ministries of Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sports, Education, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Communities, Public Infrastructure, Business, Health and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs; Guyana Police Force; Linden Technical Institute; Regional Democratic Councils, Three, Four, Six and Ten; Guyana Youth and Student Movement; Viking Sounds; Guyana Trans United; Guyana Shore Base Inc.; Chinese Association of Guyana; Maxi Williams Designs; AnsaMcAl, Pulse Entertainment, Banks DIH Limited and People’s Progressive Party.
Mariah Lall.
Images: Tejpaul Bridgmohan.