‘No rain can stop we’ — thousands turn out to Mash in unity
Despite the inclement weather,
revellers came out in full numbers
to Mash down town on Thursday
(Adrian Narine photo)
Despite the inclement weather, revellers came out in full numbers to Mash down town on Thursday (Adrian Narine photo)

The saying “Come rain or shine, nothing can stop Guyanese from ‘Mashin’” was evident Thursday as Guyanese turned out in the thousands to enjoy their Mashramani Costume and Float Parade, despite early morning showers. Early morning rain, thunder and lightning had some wondering of the fate of the annual procession, but the weather cleared up by the time the parade was ready to get underway, and it also behaved for the rest of the day.
Guyanese took full advantage of this to gyrate, fete and enjoy the day’s cultural displays to their hearts’ desires, as they reveled under this year’s Mashramani theme “Celebration with dignity, liberty and greater unity.”
“At first you would feel a little down,” one spectator said about the weather, adding: “but then the sun came pushing out and I say ok then, that’s the vibes that I want to step out.”
The reveller from Lodge was truly into the celebration, and just could not find words to say just how much she was enjoying her day.
The crowds lined the route, starting from along the Avenue of the Republic, picking up in numbers along Brickdam and as the route got closer to D’ Urban Park, it swelled, filling the stands to capacity.
However, some of the spectators agreed that this year was did not top last year’s Jubilee Parade, but many did not expect it to since last year was particularly big since it was the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
“Everything! Everything was nice, but last year was much bigger,” said June Ann Solomon of D’ Urban Backlands.
Yesterday’s celebrations saw a total of 33 bands participating in the parade, many of which promoted Guyana’s push towards a green economy.
The Ministry of Education Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, was the first band out, followed by the Ministry of Public Health.
The Ministry of Natural Resources Band lead by soca songstress Vanilla, got the crowd pumped when it got into the Park. The Ministry of Social Protection, whose theme focused on birds, was also an eye catching number.
The Trinity Party Truck presided over by Tamika Marshall and soca monarch Jumo also had the crowd going.

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