By Mia Anthony
The Mashramani celebration yesterday saw a magnificent turnout, with people flooding the streets in a kaleidoscope of colours and energy, embodying the very essence of the word itself – “celebration after hard work.”
Families gathered eagerly, their faces alive with anticipation, to witness the grand spectacle unfolding before them.
As the parade commenced, the streets came alive with the vibrant beats of the musical sound systems accompanying each ministry’s float. From Health to Agriculture, from Culture, Youth and Sport to Education, a dazzling array of floats rolled by, adorned with elaborate decorations and pulsating with infectious energy.
Participants adorned in extravagant costumes representing their respective ministries moved with graceful exuberance, their movements synchronized to the rhythm of the music. Their joyful gyrations and spirited singing filled the air with an infectious atmosphere of jubilation.
Onlookers, both young and old, couldn’t help but be captivated by the spectacle unfolding before their eyes. Smiles lit up faces, laughter bubbled forth, and a sense of camaraderie enveloped the crowd as they revelled in the colourful display of Guyanese culture and tradition.
From the intricate details of the costumes to the elaborate designs of the floats, every aspect of the Mashramani celebration was a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Guyana. It was a day filled with joy, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of pride as the nation came together to celebrate its achievements and heritage in grand style.
However a few netizens took to the social media platform Facebook, to voice their dismay with how Mashramani was portrayed this year. A few comments that stood out were from Troy Cadogan who wrote “I drove down to Merriman Mall a few minutes ago and a sense of sadness came over to me. Today, Mash Day, is my mother’s favorite holiday. I could vividly remember her cooking and putting a ton of food in her in basket and going out to the mall to watch the parade pass by. This is my first Mash without my mom, so a bit of sadness. However, I felt that she would have actually been quite disappointed in what Mash has actually become. It seems as though Mash is just dying. The road and the costumes and everything seems to be just flat. Sad.”
Kelondra Nicholson commented on another social media post saying “I been saying this all the time force them to participate in the costume float parade some of the Ministry don’t even participate, what happened to all those Multimillion businesses they can’t invest, In due time carnival will surpass Mashramani”.
Dianne Macnichol commented “This is the time to showcase Guyanese local Mash sounds, mix with the different ethnicity, especially African and Tassa that would be a power mix. Where the steel are pans too, the fabric of Guyanese original. Nah all the big trucks got recycled music. The ones wearing the costumes look more tired and oppressed. Boys by themselves, so are the ladies”.
Courtney Mc Gordon pointed out the poor organization by the organizing body “Can’t get better it’s our best costume tights and stockings vision-less organizers”
The comments suggest that many Guyanese may have lost sight of their indigenous heritage and the authentic essence of Mashramani, as foreign influences seem to dominate the celebration. While moving through the streets, it was observed, people picnicking along the roadside, alongside two individuals protesting for fair wages through collective bargaining, particularly advocating for teachers’ livable salaries. At the National Park, families congregated at the pavilion to witness the floats, while others enjoyed picnics with their loved ones, creating a mixed atmosphere of festivity and social activism.
