Georgetown dazzled with an explosion of colour, music, and revelry, as Guyanese from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the nation’s 55th Republic anniversary.
From the early hours of Sunday morning, the streets were transformed into a carnival of colour and rhythm. Towering floats, draped in gold, green, red, and other colours, danced their way along the parade route, accompanied by enthusiastic revellers adorned in sequins, feathers, and glittering masks.
The infectious rhythms of Soca, calypso, chutney, and steel pan music vibrated through the city, setting the tone for a celebration that promised to be one of the most lively in recent history.
The parade stretched for miles, with participants proudly waving the Golden Arrowhead as they danced through the streets.
Vendors lined the roads, selling traditional Guyanese foods like cook-up rice, metemgee, and pholourie, while children gleefully ran between stalls, their faces painted in national colours.
The aroma of grilled meats and fresh coconut water mixed with the sweet scent of spun sugar, creating an atmosphere that was both nostalgic and exhilarating.
Among the performers was a band that depicted Guyana’s journey to independence, with elaborate costumes representing the struggles and triumphs of the nation’s history.
Another group captivated the crowd with their interpretation of the country’s rich biodiversity, with dancers dressed as the jaguar, harpy eagle, and various indigenous plants and flowers.
For many attendees, the celebration was more than just entertainment, it was a deeply personal experience. Three women, Shanesa, Melinda and Luan from Region One (Barima- Waini) shared their excitement, saying,
“This is not our first time in Georgetown for Mashramani, but this one is beyond anything we imagined! The costumes, the energy, the way everyone is so happy and proud to be Guyanese, it’s incredible”.
Another Guyanese citizen, former diplomat, educator, and volunteer, Barbara Atherley, reflected on what Mashramani means to the Guyanese people.
“I’m coming from right here in Kingstown, Georgetown. From 1970 until now, every opportunity I have to enjoy Mashramani, I make a point of enjoying it. It is our culture. It is a celebration after hard work. And we need to make sure that this lives on. And for the young, seeing the younger folks out here, it makes a big difference”, she said.
Among the crowd was a young man who beamed with excitement as he watched the parade.
“My name is David Hockett. I’m coming from right here in Georgetown. The celebration is so lovely, so much good vibes, everything out here is amazing. This year Mashramani is much more vibrant than last year, and I’m really feeling the vibes right here in Georgetown”, he said.
As the sun set over Georgetown, the festivities continued with the highly anticipated grand finale, cheers of thousands of revellers filled the air, their voices blending with the rhythmic beats of drumming and the final strains of steel pan music.
Mashramani 2025 was more than just a festival, it was a living, breathing testament to the strength, creativity, and unity of the Guyanese people. As the celebrations wound down and weary but elated revellers made their way home, one thing was certain: the spirit of Mashramani would live on, stronger than ever, in the hearts of those who came together to celebrate. (See more photos on pg 12, 13)
