THOUSANDS of Guyanese from all walks of life flocked the seawall and other open spaces across Guyanese coastland, such as community playgrounds, pastures and parks, for the annual Easter Monday kite flying festival.

The occasion is said to mark the observance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and families use the opportunity to bring the young ones out for kite flying, while they themselves enjoy, and otherwise have a good time.

As is the case every year, the picnic baskets were bountiful, as were the coolers laden with beers, and other beverages, which would not otherwise end the day right for the adults.

Sound systems blared songs far from solemn, as the young and old had a grand time. Most cared little about the religious significance of the day. It was all about having ‘a good time’. Hindus, Muslims and Christians all took part. They said it didn’t matter as it served to reinforce the widely known sentiment that Guyanese are united in their different cultures, while religious holidays are nationally celebrated.
CELEBRATING EASTER GUYANA-STYLE
The sky over Georgetown was transformed into a veritable kaleidoscope as persons used every appropriate venue to raise their kites in symbolism of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

And Georgetown’s streets were thronged with Guyanese from every station in life, eager not only to mount their kites, but to spend time with their relatives and friends.

The Guyana Chronicle visited several locations — including the National Park, the Carifesta Sports Complex, Hope Beach, and the sea walls along the Rupert Craig Highway and along the East Coast of Demerara –- and found permeating a jovial atmosphere of bonhomie reflected in bright smiles and mirthful laughter.

It was obvious that Easter continues to be more than a Christian holiday, but a national holiday, as persons of all walks of life gathered to celebrate the occasion in secular and non-secular ways.

Speaking with some families at their picnic sites, the Guyana Chronicle learnt that some children were not very interested in kite flying activities, being more concerned with the family outing aspect the occasion facilitated.

 JOE VIEIRA PARK

Easter was palpably in the air yesterday at Joe Vieira Park, West Bank Demerara, as the smell of popcorn, hot dogs and bar-b-que permeated the atmosphere, and hundreds showed up to fly kites with their family members and relatives in tow.

Many took advantage of the cool breeze to relax in hammocks tied to the trees that lined the park, while others sat on blankets to enjoy picnicking in the outdoors.

An impressive variety of foods and snacks and a rich assortment of beverages of all sorts decorated many stalls, while children busied themselves in raising their kites amidst a hive of activities that transformed the park into a maelstrom of loud music blaring from several huge boom boxes and the raucous laughter and animated conversations of engaged revellers relaxing under tents enjoying drinks.

Rajin Persaud, huge kite in hand, said this is his third time at the park, and he was with his family members who hail from Wales, West Bank Demerara. He added that he was having a good time, and that was evident in his wide smile.

Meanwhile, beverage vendor Kenrick Lakha told this publication that, for the past five years, he has been selling at the location; and this year’s sales were a bit slow in coming.

He was nevertheless optimistic that by nighfall sales would pick up, as people competed for space in the park, which was almost filled to capacity.

Kites in all colours, sizes and shapes were in the air, as gleeful children held onto their balls of twine yesterday at Joe Vieira Park.

Several children took time to speak to the Guyana Chronicle, expressing their satisfaction at the event; and they seemed to be having a good time.

NATIONAL PARK

The scene in the National Park was quite similar to what obtained at the Joe Vieira Park, and people poured into the location to celebrate the day with their loved ones.

Vehicles were filled with food and drinks, while children ran around with kites and adults contented themselves with cold drinks and light chit-chat.

Some even took time to take a nap under trees, lying on blankets, their stomachs satiated with good food and copious drinks.

The National Park was packed with vendors also, and even though a fee was attached for vehicles to enter, the place was full with hundreds of vehicles, causing traffic to move at a crawl in entering and exiting the Park.

At the National Park, this publication spoke with several persons who disclosed that they were having a wonderful time. One picnicker said, “I’m having a good time with my friends and my sister…The food is good, the drinks are good…we’re having fun!”

GEORGETOWN SEAWALL
Kenneth (only name given), visiting from overseas for the second consecutive year, spoke to us from among his relatives who were gathered on the seawalls. He said: “Today is a lovely day. The weather is good; everyone is having fun; I’m enjoying myself with my family…. I will definitely be coming back again for Easter.”

In Guyana, Easter is a very joyful season. The Easter weekend offers numerous opportunities for families to come together and spend quality time in each other’s company, enjoying the traditional outdoor activities such as kite-flying, rodeos, regattas, and picnics.

Thankfully, Easter Monday was observed incident-free at all the locations that this newspaper visited up to press time yesterday.

Written By Michel Outridge and Rebecca Ganesh-Ally