41 and counting…
WITTY and hard-hitting social commentary through the Calypso; high-energy dancing and performances via Soca; hot and sweet rhythms from local chutney tunes; exotic dances and hypnotic music from the Masquerade Bands; intricate and pulsating pieces from the steel-bands; costumes and floats of unimaginable beauty and creativity are just a few of the fabulous events to be part of our 2011 Mashramani celebrations. From its origin in the mining town of Mackenzie (today’s Linden) in 1966 to celebrate our country’s independence, to its present form, ‘Mash’ has truly evolved.
Similar to ‘Carnival’ or ‘Crop Over’ in our sister CARICOM states of Trinbago and Barbados respectively, ‘Mash’ has grown and developed into a huge event that attracts visitors from CARICOM and North America.
But the greatest supporters of this national event are Guyanese, who turn out in their thousands to enjoy this day of celebration and interaction.
According to Mr. Lennox Canterbury, head of the Mash Secretariat, the 2011 activities has even attracted the interest of a group from the USA.
Noting that ‘Mash’ is much more than what is seen on February 23 each year, Canterbury said the hard work begins months before the official start of the ‘Mash’ season.
Under the theme, ‘Showcasing Our Culture; Sustaining Our Pride’, Mash 2011 is expected to be bigger and better than ever.
This year’s Calendar of Events began with the launching on Friday October 15, 2010 at the Umana Yana. This was followed by the ‘Groovy Soca Competition’, which resulted in Jomo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo being crowned monarch, and Michelle ‘Big Red’ King the close runner-up.
Calypso and Chutney rehearsals have also begun, and contestants are tuning up for this very challenging competition.
The Junior Calypso Competition was scheduled for last night, beginning at 19:00h, at the MSC ground in Linden, where 13 keen young contestants were expected to vie for the coveted crown.
The Road March rivalry is expected to be fierce this year. The winner’s song will be the one played the most by bands on Mash Day. Registration for this competition closed yesterday.
The closing date for registration in the Bright up Guyana competition is Friday, February 18. Formerly known as the Decorating and Illuminating Buildings competition, this event has developed and expanded to include Government Buildings, Non-Government Buildings,  Private residents, Semi-Commercial Residents (Resident & Business), Schools and National Monuments.
The Adult Calypso Semi-Finals will be hosted by Bartica. Twenty two calypsonians will be strutting their stuff in order to impress the judges enough to be allowed to advance to the Finals, scheduled to take place at the National Stadium on Saturday, February 19.
There will also be a special Health Song Competition sponsored by the Ministry of Health. Through this medium, the message of living healthy lifestyles will be spread. Keen rivalry is also expected.
The ever-popular Steel-band Competition, sponsored by Republic Bank, will take place on Sunday February 13 at 17:00h at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue. Bands from all over Guyana will be participating. Schools are also a big part of this event.
Great energy is being exerted on making the Masquerade Competition a prime feature and a huge success in the 2011 Mash happenings. This competition is also scheduled for Sunday February 13 at 17:00h at the Georgetown Seawalls. More details to follow.
The eagerly anticipated children’s competition will take place daily from 09:00h on February 18 and 19. This venue will be posted shortly. On Saturday February 19 at the Parade Ground in Middle Street, the Children’s Parade will take place.
Meanwhile, schoolchildren will also be getting involved in Mash. The Child Art Competition will soon be launched in all Primary Schools, as is an Essay Competition  in Secondary Schools nationwide.
The general public will benefit from a number of activities leading up to Mash Day, such as the Republic Lecture Series on Aspects of Guyanese Culture and what Achieving Republican status means. Other Seminars and Workshops on Aspects of Republicanism and Guyanese Culture will also be presented. Further details will be made available shortly. Two exhibitions will take place in the days leading up to Mash. One exhibition will take place at the National Museum and the other at Castellani House. Details to follow.
Anna Regina’s residents will enjoy the spectacular Chutney Finals to be held there on Saturday February 19, from 20:00h. This finals promises to be a memorable one as this form of music has been rapidly gaining popularity here in Guyana.
On Saturday, February 5 and Sunday February 20 , at the Georgetown Seawall Bandstand, there will be Band Concerts and all Guyanese can attend these and enjoy the music and ambiance of our famous sea defence.
As Mash gets closer, activities increase. Three events are billed for February 19, namely: The Adult Calypso Finals, Children’s Parade and the Chutney Finals.
Mash Nite is Monday February 21. This will be at the National Park. Part of the activities for that evening will be special Displays of Individual Costumes for all those who won’t get the opportunity to see it on Mash day due to crowds.
The State-owned National Communications Network (NCN) will hold its widely popular Mash Jump Up on Tuesday February 22 at 19:00h. As usual, there will be lots of entertainment for the entire family.
The Flag Raising Ceremony takes place at the Public Buildings on February 23 at 07:00. Mash on the roads gets underway at 10:00h.  The Presentation of all prizes and awards will take place on Friday March 4, at the Umana Yana commencing at 17:00 hours.
So young and old, big and small, agile and slow, get ready to be part of our national festival. Join in the fun, revelry and pure joy of a celebration rooted in the culture of a people enjoying each other after a year of work well done.
MUCH MORE TO FOLLOW!!