DUBBED one of the most highly anticipated events of the cricket season, scores of spectators came out on Sunday for the annual Cricket Carnival Road Parade which featured several bands and dozens of revellers in colourful costumes.

Starting at Main and Church Streets in Georgetown, the carnival posse made its way down the streets, dancing to music which added to the thrill and excitement.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Road Parade, Tony (only name given), one of the many Guyanese who came in for the cricket matches, said he is having a blast at the Cricket Carnival events.

He used the opportunity to invite everyone to come and experience the Cricket Carnival excitement.

“Cricket Carnival is awesome. Let me tell you, you guys got to do this. It is the greatest feeling in the world,” he said.

Roy, another spectator, excitedly remarked, “I am so impressed! Cricket Carnival is going bigger and bigger every year, and next year I want it to be bigger than Mashramani, so people take note.”

Although he was on duty, Dwayne Sobers, who hails from the East Coast of Demerara, said: “It’s awesome on Church Street. I feel the vibes. They got you smiling even if you don’t have a cause to. Nice girls, nice music, action.”

For the cricket match, Wayne noted that they are all praying and hoping that the Guyana Amazon Warriors bring the trophy home once more.
He also noted the significant turnout of foreigners who saved money to come home or just to visit Guyana for the Cricket Carnival experience.

Since the first edition of Cricket Carnival in 2022, the government has noted a significant increase in the number of visitor arrivals into Guyana, specifically during the cricket season.

It was stated before that Cricket Carnival is not only a sporting event, but is an immersive experience that combines the joys of cricket with the rich cultural diversity and incredible natural beauty of Guyana.

During the first Cricket Carnival event earlier this month, Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond pointed out that we have witnessed a remarkable increase in tourist arrivals during this period, with expectations for even more visitors to arrive as excitement for Cricket Carnival builds.

Capitalising on this, the minister had highlighted that in addition to the CPL matches, several events were planned, and several tour operators curated special packages for visitors to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of our country.

To meet the rising demand, it was mentioned that more rooms and Bed and Breakfast (B and B) facilities were added since last year, to ensure that visitors are comfortable during their stay in Guyana.