Mashramani: How Guyana’s biggest festival has transformed

For over five decades, Mashramani has been the heartbeat of Guyana’s Republic celebrations, evolving from a small regional festival to a grand nationwide spectacle.

The celebration, which originated in 1970, was the brainchild of the Jaycees of Greater Mackenzie, with cricket legend Basil Butcher playing a pivotal role.

The name, derived from an Arawak term meaning a cooperative celebration, was suggested by Albert Fiedtkou, who learned of it from his grandfather.

Initially celebrated in Linden, the festival gained national recognition when President Forbes Burnham officially incorporated it into Guyana’s Republic celebrations on 23rd February.

Over time, sponsorship constraints led to the iconic costume parade being permanently hosted in Georgetown. Despite these changes, Mashramani remains a powerful symbol of unity, creativity, and national pride.

But what was Mashramani like in its earliest days? Older generations fondly recall a more community-driven celebration, where neighbourhoods came together to build floats, design costumes, and prepare traditional foods.

In those days, Mashramani was not just about the spectacle; it was a time for people to gather, share stories, and embrace their collective heritage.

The revelry was accompanied by traditional drumming, folk songs, and intricate dances inspired by Guyana’s diverse cultural groups.

Today, Mashramani has transformed into a modern carnival-like extravaganza, complete with pulsating soca music, dazzling costumes, and massive road parties.

The celebratory spirit remains unchanged, but the way people participate has shifted. The parade, once dominated by homemade floats and costumes, now features elaborately designed pieces sponsored by corporate entities.

The music has also evolved, with soca and dancehall taking centre stage, though traditional folk performances still find their place in the festivities.

To get a better sense of how people feel about this evolution, Ignite News spoke with some long-time Mashramani participants.

Sixty-eight-year-old Linda Bacchus, who has been attending Mashramani since its early years, reminisced about the simpler times.

“I can’t remember much about it from my small days, you know, but I can tell you for sure we didn’t have those fancy little costumes. I’m still enjoying it though, because Mash will always be Mash, and I’ll always love my country for keeping Mash alive. I love that I can bring my grandchildren out to see the floats, and we can enjoy our time as a family.”

Younger revelers, like 25-year-old Kevin Marks, see the changes as a sign of growth.

“Mash is bigger and better now! The energy on the road is insane, and I love that we’re seeing more international influence while still keeping our Guyanese flavour. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Indeed, Mashramani continues to be the celebration that unites the nation. Whether in Linden, Berbice, or Georgetown, the colours, sounds, and spirit of Mash remain electrifying.

While the old ways of celebrating may have evolved into something new, the festival’s essence—bringing the country together in joyous revelry—remains unchanged.

As long as there is music, dancing, and the waving of golden arrowhead flags, Mashramani will always be Guyana’s grandest celebration, a living testament to the country’s resilience, diversity, and unity.

Scenes of Mashramani in the early days (Photos courtesy of Jade Atwell)↓

Scenes from Mashramani on Sunday (Moses Williams)↓