On February 23^rd, 2020 Guyana celebrated its 50^th year as a republic with a grand Mashramani celebration. It was one of the largest Republic Day Float Parades ever in the history of Guyana. A total 30 Mash Bands took to the road to display varying aspects of Guyana’s rich and diverse culture. In keeping with the theme: “Guyana Together; Reflect, Celebrate, Transform” many mash bands were designed to showcase the Guyana story. They reflected on the pass, celebrated initiative, and projected towards a transformational future.

As it was the 50^th Jubilee the bands were careful to ensure that they represented the expected grandiose of such a celebration. Bigger costumes, elaborate designs and often choreographed displays characterized the cultural spectacle that was the 2020 Mashramani celebrations. There was a resonant focus on the new Oil and Gas sector and the way it is expected to change the lives of all Guyanese.  Many bands represented messages of hope. In addition, there was an evident undercurrent of patriotism as large and small bands both commercial and noncommercial completed their tramp and even choreographed displays to the sounds of Guyanese music. Popular songs for this year’s Mashramani celebrations included: the Soca monarch winning song “Trample” by Jumo Primo, “Soca My Religion” by Kady Kesh, and Lil Colwyn’s “Give Thanks”. However, the most popular song on the road for the Golden Jubilee was Vanilla’s “I am 592” which meant that the talented artiste will once again retain her title as the road March queen. This entirely inescapable catchy tune will likely be imprinted in the memory of many patrons for a long time after the mash celebrations are completed.

Road March Queen Vanilla

The party was already jumping by the time the revelers made it to the final judging point in Durban Park where the Judges and spectators alike were treated to the brilliance of the costume designs and choreographed displays. There were many remarkable sights at this year’s Guyana Republic Day float parade. Some standouts however included the Buxton Masquerade band that featured young talented dancers clad in costumes of traditional masquerade characters such as “Mother Sally” and Mad Cow. The 10 administrative regions were also on show with bands that depicted aspects of Guyanese culture. They together with Guyana Police Force Steelband were all major hits according to spectators. Another spectacular band was the band from the mining town of Linden. With brilliantly choreographed display, they brought the ‘fire’ playing the music of their local son, Brandon Harding. But it was the bands from the Government Ministries and Agencies that dominated the road. Ministry of Public Telecommunications wowed many with a futuristic Mash band that depicted aspirations such as paperless government. While many were enthralled by the beauty of Public Infrastructures float and even more appreciative of seeing the minister himself taking to the streets with his staff to enjoy the festivities. As regards to the commercial floats, standouts included: 592 and Digicel, and Movie Town all of whom brought to live brilliant thematic costumes that dazzled those in attendance.

Mashramani is a highly anticipated festival on the Guyanese calendar. Many locals use this as an occasion to not only familiarize themselves further with Guyanese culture and folklore but also to spend time with family and friends. Mashramani is an Amerindian word meaning celebration after hard work and the people of Guyana take the meaning literally. The jubilation for the Mashramani celebrations is not limited to the revelers from the varying bands but also the crowds that line the streets of the designated parade route. For this jubilee celebrations the organizers placed all vending outlets one side of the road and allowing patrons an unhindered view of the proceedings; many were appreciative of this initiative even the officials of the bands.

There was a definite challenge as regards to managing the crowds and time at this year’s jubilee celebration. With a longer Mash tramp route bands began entering the park much later than is customary. Many were disappointed to see that most made their way to the park well into the night. Host Malcom Ferreira was also taken to task as he tried to control the excited and restless crowds at Durban Park. He pleaded incessantly with the crowd to be orderly and avoid blocking the view of the judges and that of the camera crews. Mr.  Andrew Tyndal who served as the Mashramani coordinator, Mr. Russell Lancaster the Creative Director and the entire Mashramani secretariat must be applauded for their efforts in planning these celebrations.

 

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