TUESDAY, August 1, is Emancipation Day, 2017. And with just the two days remaining before that big day, there is a hive of activity in and around the city as shoppers rush to and fro in their bid to zero in and select from the wide range of African attire, specifically designed for the occasion.
The two big events on the card leading up to the traditional Emancipation Day activities at the National Park are: “Guyana/All Nations Night” on Sunday and the “Candlelight Procession/Folk Night” on Monday.

Then comes the traditional and eagerly-anticipated Emancipation Day celebration at the National Park, which usually attracts tens of thousands of people from all walks of life – Guyanese residing at home and abroad, as well as the steady flow of tourists.
The African Street Theatre, along the Main Street Avenue, continues to prove a ready and reliable source of such clothing and accessories and will continue with these offers until July 31. Dresses may either be purchased off the stands or be custom-made by some designers.

The dresses on display are complemented with exquisite designs of matching accessories. Meanwhile, also offering African clothing for the occasion are the many emerging boutiques along Bourda Street, along Regent Street and in municipal markets as well, where prices seem affordable.
Yesterday, hordes of shoppers combed shopping centres downtown Georgetown in search of the best in line of African wear and were surprised at the treasures they were able to come up with.

Meanwhile, items you did not get before Emancipation Day can still be sourced at the many booths on display in the Emancipation Village at the National Park.
Caption: Shirley Thomas photos saved in Graphics as ‘African wear’ (29-07-17)
Photo: 161437; 161446 ( Please join these two photos)
Photo: 154-657; 161-320; 155-909; 163345; 160-751; 163-459; 1545-450; 155-800

So don’t be left out. Cash in on these bargains, dress to impress and head down to the National Park where there will be lots of fun and excitement for adults as well as the children.
The first item on the programme for Tuesday, August 1, is the Sunrise Service which commences at 05:30 hrs at the National Park. Gates will be open to the public at 10:00 hrs, signalling the start of a flood of activities.

There you will find the best in the line of African dishes including methemgee, cook-up rice, conkie, mauby, cassava pone and lots more.
International and Regional performances include: from Etana; Everton Blender; Surinamese cultural presentation –‘fire eating’; Brazilian Cultural Presentation; Nigerian cultural presentation.

Local performers include: Big Red, Charmaine Blackman-Alves; First Born, X-Factor, Divine Stars, Mystique, Flame of the Hearts; Young Bill Rogers and more.

Educational Booths
* Educational booths include: African-Guyanese Shapers and History
* African Village Movement; African Hairstyles
* African History
* African Music
* African Names
* African Inventions and
* World of Africa Booths.

Children’s Centre
Fun includes: Folk games, face-painting, story-telling; colouring and Bouncy Castles. Also on the cards will be a Children’s Parade and Fun Centre Activities such as: ‘Hello Africa’ (Children’s Parade); Most Creative Costume/Float; Best Dressed Children’s competition; Best Costume Display competition.

There will also be fashion competitions; Music, Dance, Poetry and Food Competitions, such as Cook-Up competition and Cassava pone-eating competition.
Several sporting activities will also form part of the programme.