Large turnout for Emancipation Day at National Park

festivities, Stabroek News spoke to persons who brought their businesses to the National Park with the hope of attracting customers. Amongst them was Pamela Foxx, who disclosed that she has been a designer for years and was hoping to open a restaurant in the near future. She explained that while her desire was to go to CARIFESTA, she figured the Emancipation Celebration (which she had never been to) would be a better choice for her to earn some extra cash while introducing people to her work; which consists of clothing, leather shoes and jewellery, all designed by her.

Rhadika DeFrasers who is the owner of The Good Spices - which she says are locally manufactured seasonings with no artificial flavouring or anti-caking agents - revealed that this was her second consecutive year celebrating Emancipation Day at the National Park. She proclaimed that last year’s attendance was wonderful and that she was very excited in anticipation of this year’s vibrant turnout.

While many vendors were busy setting up huts and tents to showcase their creative businesses, people were buzzing with excitement, ready to show off their spectacular African clothing and also to observe what they were certain would be a day to remember. According to a first time observer (who did not wish to disclose her name) to the Emancipation celebrations held at the National Park, “it’s definitely cultural day, you can see it in the way people came out in their colourful African wear” she said as she glorified her fellow Guyanese for their impressive taste in outfits. She also made note of the many persons who showed up with very delicious Creole dishes and mentioned that she loved that people did not restrain themselves. They not only brought African dishes but Guyanese food as well! She said the diversity showcased on Thursday was very impressive and now she knows why people always say celebrating Emancipation Day at the National Park is always fun.

Another woman (who also did not mention her name) told Stabroek News that upon entering the National Park on Thursday the first thing she noticed was the children. She said they looked absolutely beautiful and that she looked forward to enjoying the day.

The festivities not only attracted hundreds of Guyanese but a number of foreigners as well. After experiencing the Emancipation festival last year, a group of Americans travelled back to Guyana this year to experience the festival again. “It’s like a little taste of Africa, right here in Guyana and the food is good, everything is just great,” one of them quipped. They also said, like last year, they were enjoying the festival immensely.