The streets of Georgetown were engulfed in a sea of vibrant colours as the nation’s children participated in their annual Mashramani Costume and Float Parade on Saturday.
This event concluded the series of competitions scheduled by the Education Ministry which allowed for students to engage in Republic anniversary festivities.
Leading up to Saturday’s events, there were dance, masquerade, calypso, dramatic poetry, physical display and jump rope presentations at the National Cultural Centre and at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, which saw participation from all administrative regions of Guyana.
One of the vibrant float depicting flora and fauna
The last day featured a costume parade, which commenced at Parade Ground, moving through the twisting streets of Georgetown and culminating at the National Park. Education Minister Nicolette Henry was present at Parade Ground to kick-start the event and support the Ministry’s activity.
This float proudly features the colours of the Guyana flag
Beginning at Parade Ground, the mini revellers moved through Middle Street, along Camp Street, into Lamaha Street and finally onto Albert Street which led to the final venue. They were cheered on by scores of parents, teachers and well-wishers who bordered their course waiting for a glimpse of the magnificent spectacle. This also attracted the attention of many tourists along the way.
Despite the blazing midday sun, the students gyrated to the sounds of pre-dominantly Guyanese music, which was coupled with electrifying choreography that left the massive crowd in awe and merely asking for more. The majority of the floats depicted Guyana’s resources, festivals and tourist attractions. They were accompanied by dancers dressed in accordance with the theme and featured a decorated banner.
The little revelers executing their dance routine
Participants were required to take part in one of six categories. These included nursery, primary, secondary, regional, children’s organisations and individual. Each category had its own sub-theme; the celebration of people, flora and fauna, industries, festivals and regions. The individual presentations had the choice of any of the themes proposed.
Upon the arrival of the participants at the National Park, the vociferous spectators were treated to a three-minute presentation of mind-blowing dance routines. All the stands were filled with parents and others who went to support their respective institutions. Every act was perfected with the intention of winning this year’s top spot. Some were even accompanied by drummers who added the final touch to the performance. In addition to the judging checkpoints along the route, the final judging was done at the National Park by a panel of judges, who keenly observed choreography, relevance to theme and creativity so as to crown the rightful champions of this year’s activities.
Administrator of the Allied Arts Department, Lorraine Barker-King, who was present at the National Park, spoke with <<<Guyana Times>>>, saying that she was pleased with the imaginative ideas that came alive on the floats and expressed her contentment with the large number of supporters this year. “Well I’m looking and wondering where all these people came from. I think this is getting greater and greater,” the enthusiastic administrator stated.
In collaboration with the Education Ministry was Banks DIH Limited, which provided the funding for the event. Under their Rainforest water and Malta Supreme brands, the Private Sector giant donated in excess of two million dollars, a 100 per cent increase of last year’s donation. It was in relation to these sponsorships in which the event was a success.
The nonalcoholic brand manager of Banks DIH Ltd, Clayton McKenzie stated, “First of all, Banks DIH would like to thank the Ministry of Education for being part of such a spectacular activity. This is the biggest turnout I’ve ever seen for the children’s parade. We have a lot of spectators; the teachers are here, the parents are here.”
When compared to last year’s event, it can be said that the number of supporters for 2018 has increased by a substantial amount. The completion of these activities will set the tempo for those looking forward to the grand republic celebration on February 23.
