Voices from the Park: Guyanese and Visitors Celebrate Emancipation with Culture and Unity
By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News
Georgetown, Guyana – The National Park came alive on Friday, August 1st, as thousands gathered to celebrate Emancipation Day 2025 — a commemoration of the liberation of enslaved African people and a showcase of Guyana’s rich cultural heritage.
HGP Nightly News spoke with a diverse cross-section of patrons, both local and international, who shared what the occasion means to them and how they’re embracing the day.
“I’ve been coming here for years, and I thoroughly enjoy August 1st,” said one patron. “It’s vibrant — music, food, the outfits. I love how no matter your race — Chinese, Indian, white — everyone dresses in African print. It’s unity through culture.”
For some, like Neil, this year marked their first time at the festivities:
“It’s beautiful — the colors, the people, the culture, the consciousness,” he shared. He called for a rebranding of the day: “Let’s rename it ‘The Great Moral Awakening Day.’ Emancipation implies we were waiting for someone to free us — but the awakening came from within.”
Diaspora and International Guests Weigh In
Visitors from across the globe added an international flair to the celebration. Shaferu, a cultural performer from Suriname, was impressed by Guyana’s warm hospitality:
“It’s my first time here, and it’s been very good. The people are so friendly.”
Meanwhile, Kema, a Nigerian living in Guyana for the past four years, reflected on how the day connects her back to her roots:
“Seeing everyone in African prints reminds me of home. I come out every year — it’s beautiful to see our culture honored this way.”
Culture on a Plate
Of course, no Emancipation celebration is complete without food. Patrons indulged in traditional dishes like metemgee, conkie, cook-up rice, and pepperpot. One attendee shared their culinary strategy:
“I had metemgee and conkie on the way in… I’m saving cook-up and pepperpot for the way out!”
As drums echoed across the park and dance troupes entertained the crowds, the spirit of freedom, resilience, and unity filled the air — a living tribute to the struggles and triumphs of African ancestors.
