Georgetown, Guyana—Official bodies in Guyana are rolling out extensive plans to expand and promote Mashramani, a significant national festival that commemorates the country’s republic status. These initiatives, spearheaded by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), aim to ensure the festival’s continued growth and success.
Kamrul Baksh, Director of the GTA, recently shared with Glamizine that efforts are underway to enhance the festival’s reach and impact. “There are ongoing efforts to further boost Mashramani,” Baksh said. “These include expanding marketing campaigns to reach a wider audience, enhancing infrastructure and accommodation to host larger crowds, and increasing support for local cultural talent.”
Baksh elaborated on the collaborative nature of these initiatives, noting that the GTA works closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and various private sector partners.
“Initiatives are underway to strengthen partnerships with local small businesses to foster economic benefits. By continuously refining and investing in Mashramani, Guyana aims to solidify its position as a premier cultural destination and attract even more international travellers,” he explained.
Speaking on the festival’s growth throughout the years, Baksh said: “It has evolved significantly into a cultural extravaganza. Similarly, other major national events like Independence have adopted a more modern, inclusive approach, appealing to young, patriotic Guyanese. These events have grown in scale over the years, attracting more travellers and showcasing various facets of our culture.”
Baksh emphasized the enduring significance of Mashramani, stating, “After decades, the Mashramani season remains one of Guyana’s major cultural observances. It highlights just how diverse yet unified our people are.”
The implementation of these comprehensive plans aims to ensure that Mashramani continues to thrive, promising a vibrant celebration for local and international festival-goers alike come February next year.