Our town
4
many festivals and ceremonies that are held annually. Since Christians, Hindus, and Muslims are all part of the community and each group has its own customs and festivals, there is always a celebration to look forward to. Guyana, being a society of six races, they all join in celebrating with their neighbors in their festivals. No one is made to feel left out, and all participate one way or another. With this sharing, it makes this country a strong united place to live and visit, thus giving a true meaning to their motto One People: “One Nation: One Destiny.” One of the many festivals, is called Mashramani (see Fig.2). The word Mashramani is derived from the Amerindian language and translates to "the celebration of a job well done.” Mashramani, sometimes referred to as "Mash", is usually observed on the 23 February - Guyana's Republic Day - to commemorate the Birth of the Republic.It is probably the most colorful of all the festivals. There are spectacular costume competitions, float parades, masquerade bands, and dancing in the streets to the accompaniment of steel band music and calypsos. Masquerades frequent the streets performing acrobatic dance routines, a bright reminder of Guyana's African heritage.