THE curtain is set to rise at the highly anticipated Guyana Festival later today, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
This publication visited the location on Thursday and observed that the final preparations were underway for the premier Independence celebration that is set to showcase Guyana’s ethnic and cultural history, telling the story of the nation’s unprecedented transformation.
The Guyana Festival is being held from today until May 17, 2026, under the theme ‘Sound, Soul, and Taste,’ and is part of Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, commemorating 60 years as an independent nation.
Sharing insights into the progress being made, a member of the organising committee, Cordell McClure, shared that the entire team participated in a grand rehearsal and certain aspects of the festival were already in place at the time of this publication’s visit.
“We have the tents, people are setting up the tents; And we have the BYD prize, which is the main prize, already on the ground. We have the classic car set up, and we have Coney Island that is setting up tonight. So, we anticipate by tomorrow morning everything…in fact, we’re hoping for tonight, but by tomorrow morning, everything should be in place. We are expecting a fantastic festival,” he said.
The Guyana Festival was first envisioned by the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in 2014 during his tenure as Minister of Housing and Water. After 12 years, the festival makes a grand return, and targets Guyanese from across the country, as well as the diaspora and other international visitors who will be in Guyana for the month of May.
McClure said that for many Guyanese, they are still reacquainting themselves or are not acquainting themselves with the concept of the Guyana Festival. It is not GuyExpo or Building Expo, but a culmination of Guyanese culture, history and culinary delights.
The committee member encouraged persons to visit the National Stadium on any day this weekend, and learn about our culture, learn our history, and participate in the various activities slated for the entirety of the festival.
Today, there will be an opening ceremony followed by the ‘Taste of Guyana’ set up featuring various delicacies, while day two allows patrons to experience the ‘Culture and Food Extravaganza Showcase’, and in the evening, Night of Legends, featuring local artists and music. On the final day, there will be a National Cookout Competition, followed by a One Guyana Concert.
It has been said that the festival marks the powerful rebirth of a visionary concept, reimagined for a new era of national pride, and cultural confidence; and calls on us to celebrate 60 years of nationhood with pride, passion, and purpose. It also calls for us to honour the strength of Guyanese people, as well as the richness of our heritage, and the vibrant spirit that has shaped Guyana into one of the world’s most dynamic and compelling emerging destinations.
