THE Independence Square in Paramaribo, Suriname, was Tuesday evening transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours as it was Guyana’s time to shine at the country’s Cultural Night at the 11th edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA).

Guyanese of all races took to the main stage on the fifth night of CARIFESTA to showcase their talent with cultural performances which included the dances of the various ethnic groups, including Amerindian, African, East Indian and Chinese.

Patrons at the event were also treated to interpretive and masquerade dances from the talented Guyanese dancers decked out in the colours of Guyana’s National Flag, the Golden Arrowhead.

The National Steel Orchestra of Guyana played renditions of songs such as “Guyana Baboo” by Terry Gajraj and “Johanna” by Eddy Grant.

The beautiful scenery of Guyana, including the country’s luscious virgin forest was illuminated
on two large screens which stood on either side of the main stage.

Additionally, there was a mixture of music from the sounds of Tassa and African drums, as well as instruments such as the triangle and rattles.

Guyana’s 2012 calypso monarch and reigning Chutney monarch ‘Young Bill Rogers’ treated patrons to calypso music, while former Chutney soca monarch, Rajesh Dubraj, graced the stage with chutney music.

The Whaul sisters sang renditions of various Guyanese folk songs as children with special needs stood throughout the event waving red and yellow flags as the backdrop for the main stage.