CubaPLUS Magazine

Guyana is a spectacular melting pot of diverse cultures, evident through its cultural festivities. The diversity highlighted through this multi-ethnic society of Indigenous Peoples, East Indians, Africans, Chinese, Portuguese and Europeans all contribute to a robust culture that is celebrated by everyone. It is truly the thing that brings us together. And now that the Government of Guyana has launched its ‘One Guyana’ initiative, this diversity is continuously recognised as we are all encouraged to celebrate as one whenever the opportunity arises. A few of our most anticipated cultural festivities can be noted below.
 
Mashramani
Mashramani, more commonly known as “Mash”, is an Indigenous word which means “celebration after hard work.” From the name's origins, it then becomes evident that this observance promotes togetherness. Celebrated every year on February 23, the festivities coincide with Guyana’s Republic Day celebration and have, over the years, been transformed into a cultural phenomenon.
 
From calypso and soca competitions, children’s costume competitions, steel pan competitions, and even art exhibitions to, more recently, the return of the Guyana Prize for Literature, this cultural extravaganza is one to marvel at. But the true highlight of this event is the Mashramani Float Parade, where thousands line the streets to bask at the revellers in their colourful costumes and floats, all symbolising some aspect of Guyana’s culture and heritage. Pure joy is evident through the music and the energy. It is Guyanese culture at its finest.
 
Phagwah
Holi, commonly called Phagwah, is a jovial yet dramatic Festival of Colours. Originating as a Hindu festival to commemorate the triumph of good over evil, this holiday has become ingrained in the hearts of Guyanese, regardless of religious beliefs. Dressed in solid white, you start the day as a blank canvas. Crowds of merrymakers happily toss a vibrant fusion of rainbow-coloured powders and buckets filled with water into the air and onto participants and unsuspecting passersby alike. These powders form the catalyst of the entire celebration, which marks the official arrival of spring. It also commemorates the enduring love between Lord Krishna and Radha. The mood of the day is celebratory, upbeat and undeniably bursting with energy.
 
Easter
Steeped in rich religious and traditional beliefs, Guyana’s Easter celebrations are unmatched in the Caribbean region. This year, Easter will be celebrated on April 9.
 
Celebrations begin on Holy Thursday with the preparation of hot cross buns - a delectable roll with a cross etched upon its face. For most religious people, the whole weekend is spent in C church. But there are also a lot of other events that make for an exciting Easter. From the annual kite flying tradition at #63 beach to the Bartica Regatta, North Pakaraima Mountain Safari and the Rupununi Rodeo, why not sample them all?
 
Emancipation Day
Celebrated on August 1 every year, Emancipation Day, also known as Freedom Day, represents the triumph and freedom from slavery, and the significance of this day takes on a distinctly African identity. From the demonstrations of traditional folk games, artwork such as drawings, paintings and sculptures reflecting African motifs to the authentic artefacts, the air is filled with attractive yet educational material. Booths displaying posters, photographs, books and other material emphasising the history of Afro-Guyanese are usually on display for public awareness.
 
Diwali
Diwali, or Deepavali, is more commonly known as the Festival of Lights. Of the main attractions during this celebratory period in Guyana, the Diwali Motorcade is a true highlight. Over 40 years ago, the then President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Repu Daman Persaud founded this magnificent cultural attraction. Vehicles and trucks of all models are adorned with fantastic lights, and artistic flare, often depicting Hindu deities, and of course, beautiful girls adorned in the finest jewellery and garments proudly celebrating their culture. Thousands gather to marvel in the festive air. What’s even more impressive is that these patrons travel from all over Guyana, to indulge in the festivities.
 
In a way, it says, Welcome to Diwali... Guyanese-style.
 
Christmas
Countries around the world all have a unique spin on the way they celebrate the Christmas season. In Guyana, the Christmas cheer is unmistakable. Beginning right around the mid-November period, you will be bombarded with the sweet melodies of traditional Christmas music on popular radio stations and the music carts that ply their trade along the streets. “A rich man for Christmas” is a true cult classic as everyone from school-aged children to pious adults sing along every time. You will be in awe of the country-wide decoration - from commercial buildings, Governmental agencies to the corner shop, there will be no place left untouched. Masqueraders spreading Christmas cheer, and traditional Christmas meals such as Pepperpot and Black cake are just a few examples of what to expect from a truly Guyanese Christmas.
 
Whichever way Christmas is celebrated, just know that everyone has one goal in mind, to eat, drink and be merry and spread nothing but love and positivity near and far!