GUYANA’S rich history and cultural diversity were brought to life at the annual float parade on February 23 in observance of the country’s 44th Republic anniversary, celebrated under the theme “Cultural Folklore; Celebrating 44”.

Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, whose ministry has responsibility for the celebrations, disclosed that Mash was a tremendous success as Guyana’s folklore history was highlighted in all aspects, especially through the very creative costumes.
The Mash parade was a reflection of the harmonious relations that exist among Guyanese, as thousands of people, all colourfully decked out, lined the streets of Georgetown, enjoying the picnic-like atmosphere and witnessing the beautiful spectacle.
Folklore creatures like Baccoo, Massacuraman, Kanaima, Old Higue, Moongazer, Water Mama and Jumbee were showcased, as 30 bands participated in the category of full costume and semi costume, and individual male and female costumes at the parade.
In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister Anthony expressed satisfaction with the creativity shown with the costumes and floats, and lauded the designers, stating that he was pleased with the participation from companies and organisations, especially in the full costume category.

“We are pleased, and it shows that our artistic talents and creativity in Guyana is alive and well, and some of the pieces that we saw out there can match anything, anywhere else in the world… I’m sure the designers can go and get jobs at any carnival type of celebrations,” Minister Anthony said.
He said that the ministry chose this year’s Mashramani theme because a lot of young people did not appreciate Guyana’s folklore heritage, “and we thought that this would bring it back to people’s minds, and it certainly did, because many of floats depicted folkloric heritage.”
Minister Anthony said that the Mash committee will be reviewing the celebration and looking at some new innovations for next year, and will be seeking ways to deal the issue of waste disposal after the celebration.
Each year, the Ministry of Culture, in association with the Mash Secretariat and the Ministry of Education, organises a calendar of activities which includes the chutney, soca and the calypso (junior and senior) competitions, the Children’s Mash activities, masquerade and steel band, steel band concert and concert for the elderly, and the bright-up Guyana competition, among others.
However, this year’s Mash saw a three-pronged approach being incorporated in the celebration, the commemorative, intellectual and social aspects. For the commemorative aspect, there was the traditional flag-raising ceremony held in all 10 Administrative Regions and Georgetown, and activities throughout those regions to ensure that people living outside the capital share in the national festivities.
For the intellectual aspect, there was the Republic lecture, workshops on cultural industries and the annual exhibition at the National Museum.
Government has made tremendous investments in these activities over the years, and has gotten, as well, the support of corporate entities such as Republic Bank, Ansa McAl, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and Digicel.

(GINA)