Spectacular children’s Mash parade attracts hundreds

Feb 16, 2014 News

 
Hundreds of young revelers filled the streets of Georgetown  yesterday as the annual Children’s Mashramani costume parade was showcased.

This costume depicts the legend of El Dorado

Favoured by bright sunshine, the procession took off from Independence Park (formerly the Parade Ground) to the National Park. Scores of school aged children decorated in multicolored costumes pranced along the streets, which were lined with hundreds of adults and children who  witnessed the parade.
The thrilling display of colours incorporated the theme of this year’s Republic Anniversary celebrations   ‘Cultural Folklore, Celebrating 44.’
Some of the costumes depicted Guyanese folklore characters such the Baccoo, the Old Higue and Brer Anansi” which came together to form a creative and magnificent parade.
Banners depicting such themes as “Partying under the Sun’, ‘Tropical Animals’ and  Congo Man’, ‘The Splendor of El Dorado’, ‘Honouring African Tradition’ and ‘Is We Time Fuh Mash,’ were among those showcased  by the young revelers.
Approximately thirty- seven costume bands from the different Administrative Regions participated in yesterday’s event.
Selman Fraser Nursery School in red costume depicted ‘Blazing Fire’; Lodge Nursery School was radiant with their ‘Weather Explosion,’ while East Street and Head Start Nursery schools thrilled the crowds with  ‘The Queen of Treasures’ and‘Rainbow Fantasy’, respectively.
North Georgetown, Ketley, Ithaca and Tucville  Primary schools,  as well as  Monar  Educational Institute, Cummings Lodge, Freeburg and the  New Campbellvile Secondary, also showcased flamboyant pieces.
The Hinterland Scholarship Programme, David Rose  School for the Handicapped and a large contingent from the National School of Dance, which comprised  three groups also participated.
Soca music blared from huge speakers on several trucks lending to the Mashramani spirit and vibe.
While the entire event was an expression of beauty and creativity, the costume band sponsored by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) gained high praises.

North Georgetown Secondary School revelers

The telephone giant sponsored students of the North Georgetown Secondary School who dressed in the signature blue and wowed the onlookers with their exceptionally radiant outfits and choreographed moves.
Several volunteers from the Guyana Red Cross Society were noticeable this year on hand to provide first aid assistance.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand told this publication that the Children’s Costume Parade has improved over the years. She posited that this year‘s procession is one of the better organized events.
“It was an excellent collaboration between the Ministry of Education and GT&T.  It has been quite successful and there are notably more people and families coming out to view the parade each year.”
The Minister noted that the contribution of corporate Guyana would assist greatly in lifting the standard of the event.
“Of course we would encourage the involvement of other private sector entities that would wish to collaborate with  the Education Ministry and individual schools to help make such a programme which fosters creativity, talent and skills of young children to be successful …It is wonderful way to invest in the future of our nation.”