The annual event is organised by Pomeroon Oil Mill Inc in collaboration with the Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Regional Demo-cratic Council (RDC). Organisers have revealed that over $900,000 in cash prizes and trophies will be up for grabs and as an additional attraction, a black cake and ginger beer competition will be held also.
According to brainchild of the annual event Andron Alphonso, part of the proceeds will go charitable and community-based organisations in the region. Alphonso said the main objective of holding such an event is to resuscitate and raise awareness about an activity that is part of Guyana’s cultural heritage – masquerade.
He noted that masquerading during the festive season is an important part of Guyanese culture. His sentiments were echoed by several Essequibians, mainly senior citizens, who expressed the view that this type of activity is slowly losing its beauty in Guyana.
They believe that masquerading during the Christmas season promotes unity, goodwill and brings joy to all those partaking in these dances and onlookers witnessing them.
The masquerade is a choreographed dance to music played on drums and a flute.
The dance steps all have symbolic names and meanings. Members of a masquerade band include Bam Bam Sally, Mad Cow (sometimes called Bad Cow), stilt walker/ dancers, the monkey man, and long lady. The group is led by the musicians with their fife, kittle, boom and steel instruments.
It members of the band is a mixture of both young and old.
Several bands have already registered for the competition including, the Village Ram, Young Dynamics and the Taurus Band.
Several of Guyana’s top performers including Jumo and Big Red will be on show to entertain the crowd during the day’s activity.
Last year’s event was well supported by foreigners and Guyanese from various parts of country.
