The village was abuzz with the infectious celebration. The unending week-long music begins days before Christmas, while the aroma of black cake dominates the atmosphere. And how could you forget? Pepperpot was on the stove in almost every home in Ann’s Grove.Fireworks had already started about two days before Christ’s birthday in a manner that synchronised with sundown as residents’ countdown to their most exciting day of the year.
Masqueraders are seen daily traversing the central car and bus park, as they prepare to travel downtown for a profitable jig. As they leave, it is sure that they will be seen parading the village, reaping for their entertaining zeal.
It is in integral part of the Christmas celebrations in Ann’s Grove! This year as the years before, the village was well illuminated physically and in spirit, and neighbours who haven’t said much to each other year-long were seen greeting each other pleasantly.
Thousands of individuals of all ages look forward to the Christmas season and many have been saving all year just for this time.
Ann’s Grove is one of those villages which has citizens and residents. The citizens are the real hard core ‘Ann’s Grovians’ who would never migrate to another community even if the world tumbles over, the ones who represent every resident in any dispute.
Today, the citizens catch up to talk about stories of the past, a pleasant family matter, or crack neighbourhood laughter.
In Ann’s Grove, Christmas is a time when pepperpot is never enough, and with this village being home to an abattoir, meat for the popular indigenous dish is never scarce.
Over at Joylyn’s, the Christmas hot spot, there is cake in the oven baking as orders from customers stream in, signaling final preparations for the pork knockers Christmas party. Though the event is scheduled officially for Christmas Day, it had already started on Christmas Eve with men sporting and drinking in the decorated hall in Joylin’s residential compound at Two Friends.
The spot tucked down in Two Friends/Ann’s Grove ‘backdam’ could not be missed, with decorations in national flag colours, stretching above the roadways over a large section of the neighbourhood.
FRIENDLY RIVALRY
Days before Christmas, the women queue up at beauty salons while some travel to the city or visit a village couture shop for the right outfit. Homes were specially decorated as the women try to outdo each other.
The colourful curtains, once a hidden revelation until Christmas morning were on early display while brightly lit Christmas trees seem to be everywhere.
Carols were being sung in the streets many nights as church worship groups organise motorcades to usher in Christmas while raising funds for next year’s projects.
Masqueraders partake in the merriment with their fundraiser parade, as the bands of Ann’s Grove, managed by ‘MoMo’, prepare for Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary and the National Masquerade competition.
“Christmas means everything to me! It’s an opportunity to share your love with others who you care for,” says one woman. Decorating the Christmas tree is a big thing for her, almost as big as hosting parties for kids and sharing all that she can. She has a big heart. She told Guyana Chronicle, “It’s something in me that just can’t go.”
Practicing Christians participated in the traditional Christmas Day service, all looking dapper, dressed in their best clothes.
They believe that the day is dedicated to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who many believe is the Savior of the world.
“If it wasn’t for God’s faith we wouldn’t have been here. We have to give God thanks and praise that we are living to see the day,” one Christian resident said. Christmas Day brought families from near and far together on one common ground.
“Your family would be in the interior, or whatever part of this world and they come for Christmas. It’s really, really important.”
On Christmas Day, there was big barbecue and all-day social in Ann’s Grove, and the children were treated to trampoline and other fun activities.
The collection of communities – Bee Hive, Clonbrook, Ann’s Grove, Two Friends, Douch Four – stretching a few miles along the East Coast Demerara corridor were a hive of activities.
Pork knockers, foreigners and local citizens flooded the various spots, all enjoying a good hangout.

By Shauna Jemmott