To raise the spirits this Mashramani season amid the current pandemic, Movietowne on Wednesday evening launched its Mash Festival with an explosion of colours and local culture.
Filled with local food, crafts, and everything that is synonymous with Guyanese, the Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (ECD) mall has been transformed to give a glimpse of the true Mashramani spirit.
A glimpse of the Mash Festival at Movietowne
General Manager Rochelle Parasram said this initiative was to celebrate Guyana, as the country marks another Republic Day milestone on February 23. Movietowne’s Mash Festival was coordinated with the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry to celebrate the holiday in the safest way.
“As always, Movietowne loves to celebrate and Mash is soon around the corner, and we wanted to make a season out of this. Mashramani is an annual festival to celebrate Guyana becoming a cooperative republic and Movietowne is adamant on promoting local crafts, services, [and] talents.”
This format was chosen in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited social contact and large gatherings. As such, persons are presented with a safer environment to be part of the festivities.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted the world and all businesses alike, restructuring the way we live and the way we operate. Being patriotic and celebrating our national heritage should be no different…This event is free of cost to visit and purchases can be made to local vendors, showcasing their various crafts, whether it may be jewellery, clothing, footwear, ornaments, souvenirs and more,” Parasram expressed.
Meanwhile, Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) President Mitra Ramkumar lauded the event as an avenue for persons to participate in the cultural aspect of Mashramani.
He highlighted, “It creates a safe space also for all the artisans and vendors. It is not only safe for COVID, but it is also safe from a security perspective, meaning that the vendors are here and they don’t have to worry about a secure space.”
The stage at Movietowne will ignite with special performances on February 23 . (G12)
