A sea of colours and the familiar aroma of local food filled the National Park yesterday as Guyanese celebrated Emancipation Day.
Scores of people of all races were decked out in their African wear and many families could be easily recognised by their colour-coordinated outfits. The sounds of drums pounding out African rhythms added to the atmosphere of liberty and joy displayed by locals and a number of foreigners who joined in the celebration of the 177th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Guyana.
Booths lined the park from one end to the other offering local Guyanese dishes and traditional African dishes, crafts, games, and information. They attracted the attention of people coming from as far as Trinidad, Suriname, England, Jamaica, and Nigeria. The food on sale included dishes such as Conkie, Metemgee, Cook-Up Rice, Black and White Pudding, Foo-Foo and Sugar-Cake among other mouth-watering delicacies. Craft booths offered hand-made jewellery from local materials, while there were also information booths with materials about past movements, and the build up to the first Emancipation Day.
“The food and drinks are exceptional and the atmosphere is just beautiful,” a man from England, dressed in a colourful Dashiki said, pointing out that it was his first time experiencing the event.
Apart from the people strolling around the park sampling the food and drinks and basking in the vibrant atmosphere, the inner tarmac and stands were packed with people viewing the Emancipation presentation and performances. Dignitaries and officials present included Minister of Education Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita Nagamootoo.
The Buxton Drummers set the vibe for the mini parades, dances and performances of folk and national songs. Various groups from around Guyana, dressed in their different colours, took to the tarmac and put on a show and there were also special performances by groups from the United States of America, Suriname and Nigeria.
“I come here every year because it’s beautiful, just beautiful,” a visitor from Suriname told Stabroek News yesterday. The woman said Guyana’s celebration is the best she has ever seen. “We have little stuff like this back home but it’s never this big and nice,” she said.