Mashramani (Republic Day)
Mashramani is a holiday that celebrates Guyana becoming a Republic and is observed on February 23rd. This holiday is also known as Guyanese Republic Day, and it’s usually marked by music, games, food, and parades.
Guyana (Public holiday)The name of this day means “A celebration after a job well done” in Guyanese English, and it’s one of the most fascinating and colorful of all Guyana’s festivals. It’s also a holiday that has been celebrated since 1970.
The History Of Mashramani
The origins of this holiday can be traced back to 1966 when Guyana became independent. In February of 1970, Guyana officially became a republic, and a committee was formed to begin the planning and organization of a carnival. They didn’t want to use the word “carnival” for the holiday, so the Arawak word for festival, “Mashramani,” was used.
When it was held for the first time on February 23, 1970, it was a huge success. It has since been celebrated on that day every year, with one exception. In 2016, the festival was held on February 23, but its parade wasn’t held until May 26th of that year.
Facts About Mashramani & Guyana
During our research for this holiday, we’ve come across some very interesting facts about this holiday, and these are facts that we’d like to share with everyone reading this holiday’s description.
- This festival was originally held in Linden.
- This holiday is also known as Mash.
- Guyana is located on the northern coast of South America.
- Venezuela borders Guyana to the northwest.
- Brazil is located to the southwest of Guyana.
- Suriname is located at Guyana’s eastern border.
- Guyana covers 83,000 square miles.
- Guyana is ethnically and racially diverse.
- Guyana’s biggest ethnic group is the Indo-Guyanese.
- Guyana’s second-largest ethnic group is the Afro-Guyanese.
- Other ethnic groups include the Arawak, Carib, Macushi, Akawaio, Arecuna, Wai Wai, and Warao peoples.
- Guyana also has a sizable population of Wapixana, Portuguese, and Chinese.
- Guyana’s official language is English.
Observing Mashramani
Since this holiday is a huge celebration, most schools and businesses are closed on this day. It’s a day of celebration for the general public, so there are street parades, steel pan contests, soca concerts, calypso concerts, and flamboyant displays of costumes. It’s a visually impressive celebration that’s full of energy and life.
Guyana (Public holiday)
