By Aaliyah McFarlane
Thousands from all across the country took to open spaces yesterday with kites and for picnics as the Easter Monday celebration hit top gear.
Yesterday’s traditional kite-flying day was seen as having returned to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. In 2020 and 2021 there were hardly any observances and last year’s celebrations were muted.
Yesterday, many Guyanese and tourists gathered at the National Park to celebrate.
Under the scorching sun, hundreds of parents, children and their friends were seen having a grand time. Some were seen picnicking and others were playing games while the majority flew kites.
The blue sky was dotted with a multitude of colourful kites in all types and shapes. Many vendors were also present selling food and other items.
Steven Hall told Stabroek News “Leave all your bills and problems at home and enjoy life, but to me, this is the best Easter since the COVID. It took a lot of stress off of me and my family and even though the COVID pandemic was not pleasing to many of us it was good (in a way) because I got to spend much more time with my family members by staying indoors and around each other and I think that more families should spend more time with each other and not only when it is a holiday, as you can see I am here with my family having a good time.”
His daughter who chose to remain anonymous also told Stabroek News “these activities are good for your mental health, when you have a lot on your mind and you need to take a break from life, just go and have some outdoor fun with your family members it would not cost much.”
A vendor by the name of Jennifer who was seen at the time tending to a customer stopped and told Stabroek News that she has been selling toys, bird kites, bubbles and balls every year at the National Park. She even added “Since the COVID-19 pandemic I didn’t sell because we were not allowed to go anywhere, so I am here now selling for the children, I even sell beverages.”
A woman who was seen at the time chatting with her friend told Stabroek News that it was her first time celebrating Easter at the National Park and she was loving it. “I would usually take my children on the Kitty seawalls to fly their kites but this year I was influenced by my friend to celebrate at the National Park.”
She added that the weather was lovely and the environment was safe for kids. She told this newspaper that she prepared fried rice, baked chicken, roti and curry, sandwiches, pork, chowmein, beverages and snacks for her family.
The Jacobis family told Stabroek News that they felt great and full of joy to celebrate this Easter outdoors.
“Usually it is like a stay home something for us since the COVID pandemic, but a happy life is all about family and togetherness that is why we chose to bring this feeling outdoor.” They added that they prepared a number of foods like chowmein, channa, baked chicken and cook-up rice.
Another vendor by the name of Junior also told this newspaper that he usually sells Creative Arts every year at the National Park and he loves it.
On the Essequibo Coast, hundreds gathered at the Perseverance beach.
Fields and recreational grounds were filled with families. Many young people were excited at being able to come out as the pandemic is on the wane. They said that the usually look forward to the holidays to fly their kites and go to the beach.
Karishma Persaud said that this year at least she and her family don’t have to be in their homes.
At the beach the Singh family was doing Bar-B-Que while the children raised their kites.
