Crowds enj
A sea of colours and the familiar aroma of local food filled National Park yesterday as Guyanese celebrated Emancipat Day.
Scores of people of all races were decked out in their Afri wear and many families could be easily recognised by th colour-coordinated outfits. The sounds of drums pounding African rhythms added to the atmosphere of liberty and joy d played by locals and a number of foreigners who joined in the c ebration of the 177th anniversary of the abolition of slavery Guyana.
Booths lined the park from one end to the other offering lo Guyanese dishes and traditional African dishes, crafts, games, information. They attracted the attention of people coming from far as Trinidad, Suriname, England, Jamaica, and Nigeria. T food on sale included dishes such as Conkie, Metemgee, CookRice, Black and White Pudding, Foo-Foo and Sugar-Cake amo other mouth-watering delicacies. Craft booths offered hand-m jewellery from local materials, while there were also informat booths with materials about past movements, and the build up the first Emancipation Day.
“The food and drinks are exceptional and the atmosphere is j beautiful,” a man from England, dressed in a colourful Dash said, pointing out that it was his first time experiencing the eve
Apart from the people strolling around the park sampling food and drinks and basking in the vibrant atmosphere, the in tarmac and stands were packed with people viewing Emancipation presentation and performances. Dignitaries officials present included Minister of Education Dr Rup Roopnaraine, Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawren Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife S Nagamootoo.
The Buxton Drummers set the vibe for the mini parades, dan and performances of folk and national songs. Various groups fr around Guyana, dressed in their different colours, took to the mac and put on a show and there were also special performan by groups from the United States of America, Suriname Nigeria.
“I come here every year because it’s beautiful, just beautifu a visitor from Suriname told Stabroek News yesterday. T woman said Guyana’s celebration is the best she has ever se “We have little stuff like this back home but it’s never this big nice,” she said.