Guyanese from all walks of life turned out in their numbers on Monday to celebrate the resurrection of Christ or Easter as it is commonly known.
Despite the heavy downpours in the early morning hours which enveloped almost the entire country, the midday and afternoon hours breathed life into the popular areas where hundreds of kite lovers turned up to celebrate Easter 2018. While some were interested in showcasing their one-of-a-kind designs, others were there just to get a glimpse of the heart-warming spectacle and kaleidoscope of colours.
At the seawall, along which the Atlantic waves break on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), many kite lovers took advantage of the prevailing ocean breezes to display their magnificent creations. Very popular this year was the bird kite which was capable of enduring the light showers in the latter part of the day. Some also took the liberty of introducing prevalent Soca music to the festivities, which resounded with those in attendance, making them even livelier.
Noel Holder, a spectator who came out to witness the celebrations, related to Guyana Times that the holiday was indeed a great one.
“We came out in the afternoon after the rain and it was a great one this year,” he revealed.
At the National Park and the Joe Vieira Park, the atmosphere was more of a family-oriented one as many engaged in picnics and other family-filled experiences in keeping with the Easter theme. Children, all decked out in their festive outfits, accompanied their parents to learn the techniques used in flying kites.
A vendor at the National Park, who used the holiday as an opportunity to further his livelihood, noted that there was a reasonably good turnout of individuals this year.
“Throughout the rain, we see people stepping in and more will step in later. It hasn’t been that bad. It was a good turnout,” he stated.
Meanwhile, in Linden, the constant morning showers also threatened to put a damper on the Easter observances in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice), but, nevertheless, Lindeners came out in their numbers at various locations to participate in the annual kite flying and fun activities. As the weather improved by mid- afternoon, children, along with their families and friends, flocked the more popular areas for the kite-flying extravaganza.
Over at the Bayroc Community Centre Ground at Wismar, kite lovers took advantage of the light afternoon winds. Other side attractions and fun activities were also ever present, as families picnicked and listened to music which blared from large speakers.
This publication caught up with a few Lindeners who shared their experience.
“The Easter wasn’t bad, although we had rain. People still come out and bring out their kids to fly kite and enjoy the Easter. As for me, I bring out my two daughters to fly kite even though one of the bird kites didn’t go up, they still had smiles on their faces,” one woman remarked.
“I thought Easter would’ve been cancelled today, but the weather clear up good this afternoon. So, we’re just going to enjoy and make the most of the rest of the day,” Denisia Liddell told this newspaper.
As kites filled the clear afternoon skies, the famous “bird kite” also appeared to be the biggest attraction this year in Linden with popular cartoon character designs.
Guyana Times was, however, able to spot some unique designs, including the “I love Guyana” kite and a few unique ‘box board’ designs. Despite the morning showers, families were able to get together in the afternoon. As is customary, the holiday appeared to bring people together from all walks of life.
From the turnout this year, it was safe to say that the rain did not hinder the celebration of Easter the Guyanese way.
