Mashramani Float Parade captivates, turn out affected by several changes
After a hiatus for the celebration of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee, the annual Mashramani Costume and Float Parade returned to the streets of Georgetown on Thursday. While scores turned out to revel in commemoration of Guyana’s 47th Republic anniversary, the usual festivities appeared to have been dampened by the several new developments surroundings this year’s celebrations.
The inclement weather began the day with apprehension as many feared the
Spectators lined the mash route despite the rains
Mashramani activities being gravely affected by the heavy downpour. As the rain subsided, revellers and their bands accumulated at the starting point of the parade – at the junction of the Bank of Guyana on Avenue of the Republic, in Georgetown. However, it was not until sometime around midday that the first band took off for their procession.
Bands belonging to Government Ministries, regional offices and local businesses all paraded the new Mash route for 2017. This was from the starting point, on to the Avenue of the Republic then through Brickdam, making their way into the recently constructed Durban Park for their final display and scrutiny. Each band was unique in their presentation by utilising the creative arts to craft expressive
Parents and children patiently awaiting the float parade along Brickdam
floats and symbolic costumes. The colours of the Golden Arrow Head flooded the streets as encouraging a greener economy was the common theme highlighted by a majority of the floats. Among the precession were Government Ministers Kathy Hughes and Dominic Gaskin. The Public Communications Minister expressed her delight of the day’s activities as she was caught up in the merriment. She also relayed that had it not been for the rain, citizens would have turned out in larger numbers to celebrate Mashramani, the traditional way.
Despite the grand display, it was evident that this year’s Mashramani Costume and Float Parade fell short of the precedent set in previous years. The number of bands participating, the size of their procession as well as the citizens’ turnout to the revelry significantly decreased with gaps on the street corners and long
Captivating displays were on show during the parade
pauses between the arrival of bands being indicators. Several factors may have contributed to this deterioration of the highly anticipated national celebration. The interruption of last year’s Mashramani celebrations, the new route devised for the parade as well as the severe weather conditions may be the reasons behind Thursday’s shortcomings.
Nonetheless, those who did show up to Mash 2017 certainly had a grand time. The revellers were all excited for the opportunity to once again honour the country’s history while celebrating our accomplishments as a nation. The diversity in attendance was also noteworthy as many Amerindians as well as tourists joined in this year’s activities. The scenes of Thursday’s procession certainly indicated a celebration of dignity, with liberty and great unity.
