By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |
Mashramani 2026 was officially launched on Friday evening at the Railway Courtyard amid vibrant displays of culture, colour, and national pride, setting the tone for what organizers have promised will be one of the most expansive celebrations in recent years.
The national festival, which will be celebrated under the theme “Expressing Our Culture Through Innovation and Creativity,” brought together hundreds of patrons who witnessed the unveiling of costumes, artistic showcases, and live performances highlighting Guyana’s rich cultural heritage.
Delivering remarks at the launch, Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, announced that the government will invest more than $120 million this year on floats from government entities alone. He emphasized that Mashramani remains a critical national asset and a powerful tourism product that reflects Guyana’s identity as a people.
The Minister underscored the importance of collective ownership of the festival, noting that Mashramani belongs to Guyanese and must be promoted locally and internationally by citizens themselves. He added that the government will continue to invest heavily in the celebration as part of broader efforts to market Guyana’s culture to the world.
The launch event featured a lively mini parade, the presentation of creative costumes by various government ministries and private entities, and a high-energy concert showcasing some of Guyana’s top performing artistes. Attendees were treated to a fusion of music, dance, visual arts, and theatrical expression, all reflecting the spirit of innovation and creativity embedded in this year’s theme.
Organisers described the turnout as a strong indication of public enthusiasm ahead of the February 23 celebrations, which commemorate Guyana’s Republican status and remain one of the country’s most anticipated cultural events.
With preparations now officially underway, Mashramani 2026 is expected to deliver weeks of cultural activities, competitions, and community engagement, culminating in the grand Mash Day celebrations.
