Youths showed cultural pride at 54th Anniversary of Republic Mashramani Parade in Georgetown

Thousands of youths from the 10 Administrative Regions of Guyana, on Feb. 17, braved the sweltering heat in Georgetown to show their cultural pride at the 2024 Mashramani Children’s Parade during a pulsating 54th Anniversary Republic commemoration, theme: “Celebrating Our Peoples and Our Prosperity.”

Costume designer Nelsion Nurse beside a young reveler showcasing his creation at the 2024 Children’s Mashramani Costume Parade on the streets of Georgetown on Feb. 17. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The kaleidoscope of Guyana’s multi-cultural heritage was brought into focus the many aspects of the country’s infrastructural development, resources, and educational trust, during the vibrant presentation.

Prominent costume designer and pageant director Paul Burnette told Caribbean Life at the Parade Ground starting point, that his band highlighted the uniqueness of the country’s trajectory.

“This band’s theme is surety in unity for prosperity. It speaks of the people of Guyana coming together, working together, and putting resources together to build Guyana.”

A 15-year-old student masquerading in the band “Surety in Unity for Prosperity” a Paul Burnette creation during the 2024 Mashramani Parade in Georgetown, Guyana. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

“We’re looking at a one Guyana theme. Our main economy product now is the oil and gas industry. With the revenues earned from this, we can foster development in the tourism industry, the mining industry, and our sports and culture industry,” said the creator, who chose a 15-year-old student to carry the individual costume.

Colorful costumes and spirited revelry at the Children’s Mashramani parade on the streets of Georgetown to commemorate Guyana’s 54th Republic Anniversary. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The exciting revelry, fueled by soca music, the waving of the Golden Arrowhead flag, dazzling costumes representing Guyana’s colors, and banners with titles including “Celebrating Our Peoples and Our Progress,” “The Melting Pot of Culture, Education is our First Goal,” “Celebrating Our Progress and Prosperity Honoring Our Peoples,” “Bright and prosperous Guyana Shining High,” “Celebrating Our Infrastructural Development,” “Embracing Unity Celebrating Mash as One Guyana,”  “Sustainability for our Nations’ Development Through Education and Technology,” among others.

The sweltering heat in Georgetown did not deter students of the 10 Administrative Regions from showing their cultural pride at Guyana 54th Anniversary of Republic Mashramani Parade on Feb. 17. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Some of the depictions were the Four-Lane Bridge currently under construction, Heroes Highway, the Oil and Gas sector, the Coat of Arms, Tourism, and the mineral rich region of Guyana.

A little reveler displayed her colorful costume on Feb. 17, during the children’s Mashramani Parade to celebrate Guyana’s 54th Anniversary of the Republic. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The children’s road march concluded a week-long program of competitions. The categories included, dramatic poetry, soca, and hip-hop.

The commemoration will continue with the adult float parade and revelry on Mash Day, Feb. 23 on the streets of Georgetown, and across the nation.