By Laurel Sutherland and Lazeena yearwood
In just a few hours, the National Park was transformed into a tiny, overcrowded and colourful enclave as Guyanese decked out in their African cultural wear gathered to celebrate the 181st Anniversary of Emancipation Day.
The 26th annual Emancipation Festival was hosted by the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) yesterday under the theme ‘Let’s reflect on our Past as we celebrate our Present and Plan for our Future’. Malawi was the country that was selected to be featured at the Festival this year. Persons donned the clothing of that country and danced to Malawian traditional music during a cultural programme, which was planned by ACDA. There was also a parade on the tarmac where dance groups showcased their stunning outfits and their talent in dancing, drumming and singing.
Throughout the day, vendors could be heard chanting catchy phrases, in an attempt to attract the attention of attendees. For around $100, children played games like “shoot the duck’ as well as educational games.
At the beginning of the festivities, the Chief Executive Officer for the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly- Guyana (IDPADA-G), Olive Simpson, told Stabroek News that Emancipation Day is the day the organisation allows its African-Guyanese organisations an opportunity to showcase what they do, whether it is arts and craft or catering. She also said that persons who may wish to join are given a chance to see what they do and have an opportunity to be a part of the organisation. With all the excitement they had for Emancipation Day, she expressed the hope that the IDPADA-G will be fully set up before the decade ends so their work could continue to help African-Guyanese.
While the festivities got off to a slow start, by mid-afternoon hundreds of persons had arrived and even more were lining up to buy tickets to gain entrance to the park. While most people seemed to be enjoying themselves, Jason Bacchus, who brought his 5-year-old for her first emancipation celebration, said that although he was having a good time, he was annoyed that he had to wait in the “very long line” to gain entry. “ACDA could do better ’cause if you have hundreds of … persons lining up to buy tickets, it would be better if they sold tickets in advance or have multiple ticket booths. It’s stressful getting in here and there are persons with children and I don’t think that’s comfortable for them.” However he added that despite the long lines, the preparations were “quite commendable.”
Yonette McPherson while acknowledging that she was enjoying the festivities, observed that Africans are not ‘free’ considering that they are still struggling. “It’s like we’re in a box, locked away ’cause when we ask certain people anything, they don’t know, not even our history,” she explained. She opined that they should be wearing the cultural clothing all year round and not only on emancipation day. “We’re not free! We’re free when we can do what we please,” she emphasised.
Throughout the fun-filled day and its festivities, Stabroek News spoke to persons who brought their businesses to the National Park with the hope of attracting customers. Amongst them was Pamela Foxx, who disclosed that she has been a designer for years and was hoping to open a restaurant in the near future. She explained that while her desire was to go to CARIFESTA, she figured the Emancipation Celebration (which she had never been to) would be a better choice for her to earn some extra cash while introducing people to her work; which consists of clothing, leather shoes and jewellery, all designed by her.
Rhadika DeFrasers who is the owner of The Good Spices – which she says are locally manufactured seasonings with no artificial flavouring or anti-caking agents – revealed that this was her second consecutive year celebrating Emancipation Day at the National Park. She proclaimed that last year’s attendance was wonderful and that she was very excited in anticipation of this year’s vibrant turnout.
While many vendors were busy setting up huts and tents to showcase their creative businesses, people were buzzing with excitement, ready to show off their spectacular African clothing and also to observe what they were certain would be a day to remember. According to a first time observer (who did not wish to disclose her name) to the Emancipation celebrations held at the National Park, “it’s definitely cultural day, you can see it in the way people came out in their colourful African wear” she said as she glorified her fellow Guyanese for their impressive taste in outfits. She also made note of the many persons who showed up with very delicious Creole dishes and mentioned that she loved that people did not restrain themselves. They not only brought African dishes but Guyanese food as well! She said the diversity showcased on Thursday was very impressive and now she knows why people always say celebrating Emancipation Day at the National Park is always fun.
Another woman (who also did not mention her name) told Stabroek News that upon entering the National Park on Thursday the first thing she noticed was the children. She said they looked absolutely beautiful and that she looked forward to enjoying the day.
The festivities not only attracted hundreds of Guyanese but a number of foreigners as well. After experiencing the Emancipation festival last year, a group of Americans travelled back to Guyana this year to experience the festival again. “It’s like a little taste of Africa, right here in Guyana and the food is good, everything is just great,” one of them quipped. They also said, like last year, they were enjoying the festival immensely.
