Resilient, united revellers defy rain to light up Georgetown - as Mashramani costume, float parade returns with widespread participation

By Naomi Parris and Clestine Juan

CLAD in the colours of the Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s pride and na - ramani parade.

The parade and other Republic Day festivities returned after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, revellers, mas-

“Mixing and mashing as one Guyana.”

Despite intermittent rainfall, Guyanese of all ages and from all walks of life were seen flocking the roads ways all in anticipation of seeing braved the downpour determined that the show must go on.

One such patron was Abiola Dowding, who shared her excitement with the Guyana Chronicle.

“I’m excited, the weather had us a little bit uncertain, but everything looks good and I’m excited,” he said.

Dowding who is also a food vendor, related that while she was out to enjoy the electrifying festivities, she was also hoping to earn a few extra dollars, providing food and beverages to those hungry and thirsty “feters.”

“I’m also excited because I am able to come out and make little more cash, because we need it now and after so long we didn’t have a mash,” she said, adding: “We have a good turn out and everything is looking nice.” shared her Mashramani experience with this publication.

“Oh my gosh, the atmosphere is so exciting. People are having the best time, I think after about three years without Mash, it’s more exciting than ever, I see a lot of the children enjoying themselves on the Ferris wheel and the merry go round.”

She added: “I love the music, I love the energy.” tional flag, scores of patrons flocked the streets of Georgetown on Thursday, for the return of the Mash- querades, entertainers and other creatives were once again able to showcase their talents under the theme: the flamboyant costumes and the extravagant floats.

While some sought shelter under umbrellas, others

Meanwhile, an elderly woman, Elizabeth (only name given) shared that she has always looked forward for the Mashramani celebrations and the pandemic had dampened her spirits.

“Well, Mash was so boring for the past three years and it’s so nice to have it back. You know nobody could have come out and everybody had to go about their business,” the woman shared.

This year, she had anticipated a grand comeback and was certainly satisfied when she saw the massive crowd of revellers and floats.

“It isn’t bright, you know we have the little showers, but the show must go on,” Elizabeth said.

This publication also caught up with the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch who

The American ambassador further praised Guyana for its celebration of its people and culture.

“I think that there are so many rich traditions and the culture has so many aspects to it… I think more celebrations of the various peoples of Guyana will need to reoccur. I think Guyana already does a very good job of celebrating Guyana and its different cultures,” Lynch said.

Revellers were dressed in