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What to look forward to this February

February in Guyana sees most people fully settled back into work life after an exciting holiday season and hopefully sticking to those new year’s resolutions.

Romance and love is in the air as Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. As such, we’ve compiled a list of local options to help make this day special. If you’ll be dining at any of your favourite restaurants, be sure to make a reservation as early as possible as most places will be booked and seating will be limited.

This February 23rd sees the return of Mashramani (similar to Carnival) festivities as Guyana celebrates 53 years as a Cooperative Republic. Enjoy a variety of events that culminates on February 23rd with the colourful display of the National Costume and Float Parade that flows along Church Street to Vlissengen Road.

If you’re interested in experiencing Rupununi Rodeo in Lethem, Guyana on April, your planning starts now! It can be difficult to make last minute arrangements as hotels and lodges in Lethem are booked out if you wait too long. It may also be difficult to find flights or road transportation. See below for more information.

Mashramani or Republic Day

In 1966 Guyana gained its independence from the United Kingdom, but it wasn’t until February 23rd, 1970 that Guyana became a Cooperative Republic nation, abolishing the relationship with the British monarchy and becoming a member of the Commonwealth.

This year the Mashramani festivities return after being stopped because of the Covid 19 pandemic. The word Mashramani is an Indigenous word, meaning celebration after hard work. This year’s theme is “Mixing and Mashing as one”.

This holiday is especially enjoyed by the kids as they get to represent their schools in the various competitions including masquerade, dance, literature, dramatic poetry, calypso and the children’s costume parade.

For adults also get to enjoy a variety of events including the Republic Bank Steel band Panorama, that culminates on February 23rd with the colourful display of the National Costume and Float Parade that flows along Church Street then to Vlissengen Road.

Remember to wear sunscreen and walk with an umbrella if you’ll be watching the parade on the sidelines. Be sure to also leave your valuables at home as there will be crowds and you may have to park a distance away from the parade and walk to the route.

Check the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Facebook page for more details on these events.

Planning for Rupununi Rodeo: April 8th & 9th

The Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo was first hosted in the village of St. Ignatius, then migrated to the current host town of Lethem (Region 9; close to the Brazil border) and has become a permanent yearly fixture on Guyana’s calendar of events every Easter.

If you’re wondering why you’re reading about it in February, that can tell you of the magnitude of the event. Vacqueiros or cowboys train all year for the festival so their performances are energetic and entertaining.

Experience a different side of Guyana with exciting competitions including bull riding, greased pig competition, horse racing, horse rodeo (both bareback and with saddle) for men or women, and for cowgirls, “barrel” horse races.

It is recommended that you start booking for accommodation and transportation now. Contact the Rupununi Livestock Producers Association via their Facebook page or by emailing rupununirodeo@gmail.com

There website also has information on accommodation, transportation and history of the event.

Break Your Limits on February 25th + 26th.
Register today for the Climb Guyana Republic Race from Georgetown – Linden – Rockstone. Can you make it to the finish line?

Registration closes February 18th.

Please note: Stabroek Solutions is not affiliated with any of the companies, organizations or events outlined in this newsletter.