Mash Night and the Masquerade Jamboree will return for Mashramani 2027 as the Government moves to restore traditional elements of the Republic Day celebrations and presses the private sector to invest more in the festival.

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jnr and Minister within the ministry Stephen Jacobs announced the plans at the launch of the 2027 Mashramani calendar. The celebrations will be held under the theme "Guyanese Uniting Guyana, Rising".

Jacobs said Mash Night, which showcases the costumes of the Mashramani King and Queen, will be reintroduced. Costume judging at the National Park will be dropped to improve traffic flow during the main parade.

"So 27 you will see the reintroduction of the Mash night," he said.

The Masquerade Jamboree will return in communities, with the ministry working with the newly formed Masquerade Association to preserve the art form. Jacobs urged performers to begin preparing.

The inter-ministry costume competition introduced for the 2026 launch will return on January 15, 2027. Jacobs said funding was provided early to give designers enough time, and young designers will work alongside experienced professionals.

Ramson said the Government has had to "fill the void" over the past three years where the private sector should have played a strong role. He said more than $200 million was invested in Mashramani last year, including substantial spending on the bands.

"The reason why we have to make that level of investment is because large companies and I won't call their names yet, but large companies are choosing not to make the investment in a product, and that is a big disappointment," he said.

He said large companies should not buy vending spaces, which should remain open to small and medium-sized vendors.

"If you are refusing to invest in this cultural product, then government at some point will have to take a strong position on how we treat with those engagements," he said.

Ramson said Mashramani should be treated as a national cultural product that promotes Guyana abroad and creates opportunities for artists and vendors. He said the Government wants it to become a world cultural event and to encourage business visitors to stay for the culture.

He also disclosed discussions with Trinidad and Tobago's Culture Minister on designers taking part in band preparation and sharing knowledge on costume design.

Reigning Road March winner Calvin Barnett thanked the Government for national competitions, including Soca, Dancehall, Chutney and Road March, which he said have taken him to countries including Japan and Belize.

Reigning Calypso Monarch Eagle said his title has opened doors to local and international stages.