A nocturnal celebration of our rich cultural heritage     
AGAINST the exotic background of blazing flambeaus and lush tropical plants, made even more dramatic by the surrounding darkness, ‘Traditions of Guyana’ got underway on the evening of July 1 at the Jamoon Drive, Meadow Brook home of Kirkpatrick’s Catering.
Opening the floor, the Korokwa Choir set the tone for the rest of the evening, giving melodious renditions of humorous folk songs such as ‘Neighbour G’, a song about an obsessed neighbour who goes out of her way to stalk the male protagonist.
Korokwa is a spinoff of the Woodside Choir, but for those not familiar with the ensemble, it started life as the Bishops’ High School Old Girls Choir back in 1952. Then in 1956, a number of men joined the group, following which it adopted its present name, the Woodside Choir.
People of all ages and ethnicities came to their feet as entertainer, Guy Marco, resplendent in his Macusi attire, led the audience in a ‘parishioner’s dance’ (where no one is allowed to sit) around the venue.
Marco, who hails from Katoka Village in north-eastern Rupununi, also performed a piece titled ‘Earth Songs’. As he explained, Macusis are just like any other peoples, and need to express love, too, as they did, in song, back in the olden days.
Local literary activist and documentarian, Petamber Persaud, gyaffed about ‘Ol’ Time Story’, ‘Jumbie Story’ and ‘Stupidee Bill’, before launching into his Balgobin tales.
The Balgobin tales are anecdotal, with the central figure being the mischievous but smart youngster the ilk of the Lil Johnny or Dennis the Menace, who likes to get in ‘big-people’ business, and who has no scruples when it comes to telling people off. As Guyanese would say, “He mouth ent gat cover.” Like the time the man boasted to Balgobin how he got his B.A in four years. “That’s nothing,” came the swift repartee. “My sister get a B.A.B.A, and she do it in nine months.”
The Otiska Drummers, who showed off the drum traditions of Guyana, at times accompanied their recitals with folk renditions, but mostly let the drums do the talking with pieces such as ‘Drum Song’.
Members of the National School of Dance also thrilled with African dance traditions, and elements of nature could be seen incorporated within the dance as the members mimicked birds, animals and the graceful swaying of trees in the wind.
Hostess of the event, Ms. Margaret Kirkpatrick, told of the origin of roast pork, a rather involved tale which proved to be part sad, part scary, part humorous but interesting from start to finish.
An integral part of the programme was the food which came from all cultures of Guyana and was present in abundance.
Classic Guyanese vegetarian choices included toasted buttered cassava bread; pholourie; devilled or stuffed eggs; vegetable samosas; wantons; and Chinese cakes.
Meat and fish choices included the ever-present curried chicken and roti; beef kebabs;  black pudding; garlic pork; beef patties; and bake and salt fish. For dessert, éclairs featured prominently.
Not on the programme but a pleasant surprise nevertheless was an energetic team of drummers who thrilled the audience with drumming of the Taja festivals of old, and maticore-style drumming.
And let’s not forget the contribution of actor and playwright, Mr. Francis Quamina- Farrier who got a good workout and had the audience cracking up with his energetic telling of the tale of the ‘Kanaima of the Kanuku Mountains’.
All in all, it was a night with something for everyone.