–COVID-19 dampens ‘Mash’ flare

REVERED as one of the most colourful, electrifying and entertaining yet unifying festivals of the year, Mashramani, has gone uncelebrated and without substitution; at least until 2021, a year which inherited the dreaded effects of the pervasive novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

On this much-anticipated day, the streets of Georgetown would have been filled with a kaleidoscope of colours and revelers gyrating to the sounds of soca music, but the entertainment this year is limited to electronic media and controlled outdoor activities.

Under normal circumstances Guyanese of every age, race, religion and creed would have “stepped out” in their costumes or their ‘Sunday best’ to ‘mash’ down the road and celebrate Guyana’s 51st Republic Anniversary.

Not only would there have been eating and drinking, but also a burst of talent, as the festival allows designers, makeup artists, dancers, choreographers, masqueraders, calypsonians, chutney artistes and soca artistes to showcase their skills. Local vendors would also miss out on an opportunity to cash in on the demands of thirsty, hungry and sometimes tired ‘feters.’

Although this year there will be no float parade, Mashramani is still Guyana’s greatest national party and street picnic. It is not only an event for revelry, but one that brings together friends and families. Mashramani has truly become a national event that breathes life into the country, and Guyanese at home and abroad look forward to participating in its celebrations.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Mashramani is an Amerindian word which means “celebration after cooperative work.” In 1966, when Guyana became an independent nation, the first-ever Mashramani celebration was held in the mining town of Linden and was dubbed the Independence Carnival. However, in 1970, when Guyana became a republic, a newly formed committee later changed the name to Mashramani.

The unique name-change only added to the excitement for residents as the first ‘Mash’ on February 23, 1970 is said to have pulled one of the largest crowds in Linden. The event saw thousands of outsiders swarming the mining town to have a taste of the experience.

However, after realising how much attraction Mashramani was getting, a government official had several discussions with the Jaycees Republican Committee, the committee which was formed to organise ‘Mash’ in Linden, to take the event to the capital city – Georgetown. Approval was then granted by the then President, the late Forbes Burnham for Mashramani to be a national event for the republic celebration. The approval saw ‘Mash’ activities rotated among Linden, Berbice and Georgetown.

‘MASH IT UP, BUT MASK IT UP’
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on the eve of Mashramani, Linden’s Regional Chairman, Deron Adams said that while Lindeners and the rest of Guyana will not be spending Mashramani with the extravagant festivities that the country has grown accustomed to, it should not stop Guyanese from making the best of the situation by spending time with family and close friends.

He said too that persons could still have their usual picnics and barbeques albeit it should be done with respect to the COVID-19 protocols that have been instituted to safeguard Guyanese from contracting or spreading the virus.

“I want to call on all Guyanese to celebrate the Republic Anniversary in a safe and responsible manner in keeping with these realizations, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens our health, and the safety of our personal space, making it important that we maintain social distancing and the other necessary protocols,” Adams said.