Dear Editor
TODAY, Guyanese of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, various religious persuasions and hailing from the most diverse neighbourhoods, communities and regions, will celebrate the colourful festival of Mashramani. The spirit of unity that permeates the uniquely national
celebration is probably without equal in the history of Guyana. Would it not be wonderful if that same spirit of brotherly camaraderie and sisterly togetherness be the norm rather than the exception?

Mashramani, or “Mash” as it is commonly called, is truly a national,
Guyanese, cultural event. As most know, “Mash” is usually celebrated
every year on Guyana’s anniversary of the country becoming a republic
on February 23, 1970, and serves to commemorate that event. The
exception to that date occurred in 2016, when “Mash” was held on May 26
in observance of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee of Independence.

Mashramani has a most interesting history. The celebration has its
origins in what is now the township of Linden. The Jaycees of Linden
had, since Guyana became independent in 1966, been organising an
independent carnival in Mackenzie. When Guyana became a republic in
February 1970, the Jaycees formed a Republic Celebrations Committee.

Mr. Basil Butcher was selected as chairman, but due to his being
selected to tour Australia with the West Indies cricket team, Mr. Jim
Blackman was appointed deputy to function in his place. The
broad-based committee, including resource personnel of such stature as
Wordsworth McAndrew, Arthur Seymour and Adrian Thompson, began
organising carnival activities to celebrate Guyana’s
republican status.

The search for a name to replace carnival began, and it was suggested
by Basil Butcher that an Indigenous name be chosen. The idea was
immediately adopted and the search for a name began.

Several individuals, including Mr. Allan Fieldlow, an Indigenous
Guyanese, were consulted about the matter. Mr. Fieldlow had
discussions with his grandfather who was known to be knowledgeable in
such matters. The elderly gentleman described a type of festival that
was held by indigenous peoples whenever they gather to celebrate a
special event.

The event, he said, meant something similar to “Muster Many” (and
sounded like Mashirimehi in many of the indigenous languages). In
Arawak, the word sounded the most like Mashramani. Steps were taken to
confirm this story, but that particular pronunciation of the word was
lost to more modern indigenous expressions. Adrian Thompson concluded
that since no one could confirm nor deny that the Arawak word for
festival was Mashramani, then the committee would go ahead and
henceforth, the festival would be called Mashramani.

On February 23, 1970, the first time that Mashramani was held on
Guyana’s Republic Day, the festival was an enormous success, attracting
people drawn from all regions of Guyana to attend the festivities
being held in Linden. That year, the celebration welcoming Guyana’s
status as a republic lasted for over three days of frolic and fun.

After witnessing the massive crowds, the enjoyment, the glitter, the
colourful costumes, and the level of competition and interest, Mr.
David Singh, a government official, held discussions with the Jaycees
Committee about bringing the event to Georgetown, the nation’s
capital. It was decided that, that course would be pursued. And the
matter was taken to central government.

Approval was subsequently given by then President Linden Forbes
Sampson Burnham for “Mash” to be celebrated as a national event for the
observance of Guyana’s Republic Day holiday celebration.

“Mash” activities were rotated among Linden, Berbice and Georgetown;
however, due to sponsorship and other considerations, the costume band
contest remained in Georgetown for a long time. Presently, though, as
a national holiday, Mashramani is celebrated in at least a
semi-official way in all 10 regions of Guyana with flag-raising
ceremonies, athletic sporting events, parties, and other patriotic and
joyful activities. The biggest celebration usually takes place in or
around Georgetown, where spectacular costume competitions, float
parades, masquerade bands, and dancing in the streets to the
accompaniment of steel band music and calypsos, take place.

Masquerade bands in colourful and often amusing garb frequent the
roadways performing intricate dance routines, a reminder of Guyana’s
African heritage. Chutney singing, a reminder of our Indian heritage,
are also common during “Mash”-time, as are numerous calypso competitions
with their witty social commentaries. Another integral part of the
festival culminates in the coronation of a King or Queen.

Guyanese have reason to be proud to have created a festival which
fundamentally incorporates our various cultures and backgrounds, and
from which no one is excluded. Further, the fact that such a
celebration of our diversity was intended to recognise Republic Day,
the day that our young country discarded the final remnant of
colonialism to chart our own destiny, is both significant and
noteworthy.

Regards
Mark DaCosta