THE Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority are encouraging everyone to join in the exciting and exhilarating stream of activities planned for Phagwah and Easter 2014.

The activity of choice for many Guyanese varies during the period when these festivities are commemorated. Some people prefer to bask in the religious nuances of the occasion, while others prefer to relish the revelry and excitement surrounding all of the fun-filled events that are staged across the country during Phagwah and Easter.

This electrifying period commences with a Phagwah Bazaar on March 8th; followed by a Grand Phagwah Mela on March 17; then the Pakaraima Mountain Safari, which lasts from April 12th to April 20th; after which the Rupununi Rodeo commences on April 20/21; and the ever popular Bartica Regatta, with its impressive lineup of activities, is staged from April 19th to 20th.

Additionally, there will be a grand three-day concert, titled ‘Bollywood Live with the Stars’, which will be held on March 21st at Tuschen Sports Club; March 22nd at Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), and March 23rd at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground in Berbice.

From participating in traditional kite flying activities in the National Park and along the seawall to travelling to witness the hair-raising Easter Rodeo in Lethem, or enjoying the Grand Phagwah celebrations across the country, or taking the ride of a lifetime on the world-renowned Pakaraima Safari, all are assured of having a grand time during the upcoming holidays.

All of the activities will culminate on Easter Day, Monday April 21st, when the skies over the city will be adorned with kites of all shapes, colours and themes, expertly navigated by the thousands of Guyanese and tourists flocking one of the popular venues to participate in this age old tradition. Activities also include kite flying at the popular beaches across the country, including #63 Beach in East Berbice, and the Hope Beach on the East Coast of Demerara.

Easter weekend in the Rupununi Savannahs sees the annual Rodeo, a popular national event, being staged in vaquero country as competition runs high among the various ranches of the region. Now a popular national event, the rodeo brings thousands thronging to the destination by planes, cars, or 4×4 trucks.

According to Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, this period is opportune for Guyanese to explore all the country has to offer. “We always advocate for more domestic tourism and for more Guyanese to travel the length and breadth of their country. Here we have the Phagwah/Easter period filled with dozens of activities across the country, and we are encouraging persons to visit these places, experience local culture, and seize the opportunity to get to know Guyana,” Haralsingh encouraged.

In their bid to provide even more persons with the opportunity to experience Easter Rodeo, several tour companies are offering special packages from as low as (US$250) Gy$50,000! These include Dagron Tours, which can be contacted on 223-7921, and Adventure Guianas, which can be contacted on 227-4713 for further details.

(Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)