A FEW weeks before Republic Day, there are many events planned around the country such as inter-school Mashramani competitions and sport-related activities. On Republic Day itself, floats and costumes flood the streets across the country. The main parade takes place in the Capital City while other small parades occur in different parts of the country. In Berbice, the Mashramani celebration occurs a week after the said date. Nonetheless, all the celebrations have one main meaning. If you’re a Guyanese citizen, then I’m sure Social Studies in primary school taught you what it is.

On February 23, 1970, our beautiful country gained its very own Republican status. Mashramani is one that we can definitely call our own because it is celebrated annually to observe Republic Day. Its authenticity can be traced back to our history. I personally feel that in the years gone by, we have celebrated ‘Mash’ without grasping the true concept of it. ‘Republic’ was much more than just a word, it meant that Guyana is a free and independent state, without the ruling of a monarchy. After centuries of monarchical reign, dating all the way back to the colonial days, our people finally had the opportunity to govern the country.
There is no denying the talks of how the Guyana Carnival events will one day ‘overthrow’ our very own Mashramani.
Sukranie Dookhoo shares her thoughts on this: “The introduction of carnival as a basis of tourism improvement last May, was well received. A few days of events including, bird watching, sports fishing, trekking, tours and, well, of course, the carnival. These additional events are to capitalise and boost tourism. Carnival is two months away from Mashramani or ‘Mash’, a similar fete, with the difference being the cultural significance Mash holds. Why is it that the investments being made for Carnival can’t be made for Mashramani?
This is a national holiday which embodies the richness of Guyanese culture, which year after year, is slowly dissolving. Why can’t we capitalise on what we already have, to preserve our culture? There are strongly opinionated people who will tell you that Carnival was a success, it is not taking over Mash, and that there is no need for ‘hate’. No, if that is what you are thinking you have missed the point. Carnival shouldn’t be a thing when we already have Mashramani. Marketing, rebranding and investing can make what we as Guyanese culturally identify with success.’’
While I do agree, I must also say that we can only lose our culture and heritage if we choose to. The government and the Mashramani committees should take heed to the changing times and incorporate them into the events. Guyana Carnival, Mashramani and any other related event can all coincide in harmony. While we should learn to adapt to change (Guyana Carnival), we should also stay true to ourselves and the significance of our past (Mashramani).
From the rebellion of slaves to the constitutional fight for freedom, our country has come a long way, hence why this holiday is worth celebrating. Before I leave, I will share a poem I came across called ‘Mashramani’ done by Cheryl Winter,

“Every year in the month of February,
Guyana celebrates Mashramani;
Mash showcases our Guyanese culture,
Including our art, our craft and our literature.
Some of us play the steel pans,
Some flounce in the masquerade bands;
Some display beautiful costumes in the floats,
Some enjoy excursions on the ferry boats.
Some participate in poetry and dramatic presentations,
Some dance or sing in calypso competitions;
Some grace the catwalk with their modelling;
Some display their skills in gymnastics and tumbling.
As Guyanese, we have to show love for our country;
We all should celebrate Mashramani!
Mash is not about race and religion!
It’s a Guyanese festive occasion!
So..come join with me
And let’s have a Happy Mashramani.”

Pictures:
Mash1
CAPTION: Photo sourced from https://pixabay.com/en/guyana-flag-fingerprint-country-662106/