Mashramani 2016 is certainly on, except for the pushing back of the costume and float parade to May, to coincide with the country’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations. The Annual Republic Lecture series will also occur in May, but outside of these two changes, all other activities are set to take place in their traditional manner in terms of timing.According to information emanating from the Mash Secretariat, Mash 2016 will be launched on Friday, November 20, 2015, in front of the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Main Street, where the 2016 logo will be unveiled, following a packed programme of activities.
Drumming, masquerade, dancing, storytelling, steelband renditions, and performances by the calypso, chutney and soca monarchs will be among the activities with which patrons will be regaled.
Additionally, Music Unlimited, a local music institution, will perform several Guyanese songs.
Among the main activities for Mash 2016 are calypso, chutney and soca competitions, children’s competitions, which are slated to be held from February 17 to 20, culminating with the children’s costume and float parade, Bright up Guyana, and steelband and masquerade competitions.
On February 23, there will be the official flag-raising ceremony at Parliament Buildings, commencing at 07:00 hrs. All the administrative regions will celebrate Mash as well.