Latest update April 24th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 24, 2009 News
Despite the fears that the Mashramani Float Parade would not be up to par due to the lack of corporate support, the parade was a resounding success, as it thrilled thousands of people who watched, either sitting by the roadside or on the open spaces along Merriman Mall, or who merely walked alongside the revellers on the Mash route.
Spectators came from as far as Berbice and the Essequibo Coast just to see the Float Parade.
There were some 20 floats, including some coming from the 10 administrative regions of Guyana, floats put together by the various Ministries, and others by private entities. These thrilled the spectators with a colossal display of colour and design, keeping true with the theme of Mashramani 2009: One Dream, One Celebration, One Design in 2009.
There were also many Church groups in the Float Parade, and their numbers appeared to be even larger than in previous years, as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr Frank Anthony had indicated that they would.
The Minister had also previously said that a number of companies were not coming on board with the Float Parade, adding that his Ministry was disappointed at the poor turnout.
He did, however, note that the parade would be bolstered by the support of the floats of the various Ministries and Christian organisations.
Nonetheless, spectators were thoroughly entertained by the elaborate floats which paraded past them en route to the National Park.
More so, members of the Guyanese Diaspora also participated in the parade, with the New York Diaspora group placing a Barack Obama float in the parade.
“I want my children to know and experience the Float Parade, but much of the dancing is quite obscene, and does not always carry the ideas I want to instil in my children,” said one concerned parent.
Many of those witnessing the parade lamented that Mashramani only comes about once a year. “Mashramani brings people together,” said one of the revellers along Vlissingen Road. “Look around, you can see all sorts of people from all walks of life.”
Another person said that all of the problems vanish for a time with the Float Parade.
Many of the spectators enjoyed the rollicking reggae, calypso and soca music that accompanied the floats; there were music sets that provided onlookers with a variety of music, ranging from Rhythm and Blues (R&B) to popular Dancehall tunes.
Food vendors studded Vlissengen Road, providing the revellers with more than an adequate supply of food and drink.
The police presence at the Float Parade was substantial, with the officers ensuring that some degree of safety and order was maintained. Some vehicles which were parked along the roadways where the parade had to pass were towed, so as to help keep the avenues clear for the passing parade.
Mashramani is the annual festival that celebrates the anniversary of Guyana becoming a Republic in 1970.
Mashramani is probably the most colourful of all the country’s various festivals. There are spectacular costume competitions, float parades, masquerade bands, and dancing in the streets to the accompaniment of steel drum music and calypsos.
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