St. Stanislaus College students wear “Melting Pot of Cultures” costumes celebrating “Our People and Our Prosperity” during the 2024 Mashramani Parade in Georgetown on February 17.
Photo credit: Tangerine Clark
On February 17, thousands of young people from Guyana’s 10 administrative regions braved the sweltering heat of Georgetown to show their cultural pride at the vibrant 54-day 2024 Mashramani Children’s Parade.th The theme of the National Day of the Republic is “Celebrating the People and Prosperity.”
A kaleidoscope of Guyana’s multicultural heritage highlighted various aspects of the country’s infrastructure development, resources and educational trust during a lively presentation.
Renowned costume designer and pageant director Paul Burnett told Caribbean Life at the Parade Ground, where he started, that his band emphasizes the uniqueness of the country’s trajectory.
“The theme of this band is the certainty of unity for prosperity. It is about the people of Guyana coming together, working together and pooling resources to build Guyana.”
“We are considering one Guyanese theme. Currently, our main economic product is the oil and gas industry. With the proceeds from this, we will promote the development of the tourism industry, mining, sports and cultural industries. ” said the creator, who chose a 15-year-old student to be in charge of the costumes.
Exciting revelry fueled by soca music, waving of the Golden Arrowhead flag and dazzling costumes representing the colors of Guyana, “celebrating our people and our progress” and “a melting pot of cultures, education is Our primary goals: “Honor our people and celebrate our progress and prosperity”; “A bright, bright and prosperous Guyana”; “Celebrate our infrastructure development”; “Celebrate Mash as one Guyana”. “Embracing Unity,” “Sustainability of our Nation’s Development through Education and Technology,” etc.
Among the depictions were the four-lane bridge currently under construction, the Heroes Highway, the oil and gas sector, the coat of arms, tourism and Guyana’s mineral-rich regions.
The children’s road march concluded a week-long competition program. Categories included dramatic poetry, soca, and hip-hop.
The commemoration will continue with a parade of adult floats and festivities on the streets of Georgetown and across the country on Mash Day, February 23rd.