Large turnout for Emancipation Day at Nation
In just a few hours, the National Park was transformed into a tiny, overcrowded and colourful enclave as Guyanese decked out in their African cultural wear gathered to celebrate the 181st Anniversary of Emancipation Day.
The 26th annual Emancipation Festival was hosted by the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) yesterday under the theme ‘Let’s reflect on our Past as we celebrate our Present and Plan for our Future’. Malawi was the country that was selected to be featured at the Festival this year. Persons donned the clothing of that country and danced to Malawian traditional music during a cultural programme, which was planned by ACDA. There was also a parade on the tarmac where dance groups showcased their stunning outfits and their talent in dancing, drumming and singing.
Throughout the day, vendors could be heard chanting catchy phrases, in an attempt to attract the attention of attendees. For around $100, children played games like “shoot the duck’ as well as educational games.
At the beginning of the festivities, the Chief Executive Officer for the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly- Guyana (IDPADA-G), Olive Simpson, told Stabroek News that Emancipation Day is the day the organisation allows its African-Guyanese organisations an opportunity to showcase what they do, whether it is arts and craft or catering. She also said that persons who may wish to join are given a chance to see what they do and have an opportunity to be a part of the organisation. With all the excitement they had for Emancipation Day, she expressed the hope that the IDPADA-G will be fully set up before the decade ends so their work could continue to help AfricanGuyanese.
While the festivities got off to a slow start, by mid-afternoon hundreds of persons had arrived and even more were lining up to buy tickets to gain entrance to the park. While most people seemed to be enjoying themselves, Jason Bacchus, who brought his 5-year-old for her first emancipation celebration, said that although he was having a good time, he was annoyed that he had to wait in the “very long line” to gain entry. “A you hav up to b they so multiple ting in children fortable that des tions we
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