Some members of the public were at odds over the deferred celebrations and had issued a call for the festivities to be held on the designated day, February 23, instead of one week later, as has been done over the past years.

Among the participants at Sunday’s celebration were hundreds of the country’s natives who had journeyed in from outlying areas.

The Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) worked its three vessels throughout the weekend, to assist in the transportation of revellers.

As Mashramani morning unfolded at New Amsterdam, hundreds of persons headed toward the Main and Pitt Streets junction -- the best vantage point for watching the Mashramani Costume and Float Parade as it winds it way to the National Psychiatric Hospital Ground.

The enormous coolers and heavy food hampers carried by some spectators told the story; they were setting in for a long day of fun and enjoyment.

Floats sponsored by businesses, private organisations and Government Ministries highlighted the progress made in eco-tourism, agriculture, mining, housing and other sectors.

Among the bands were presentations from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Rayon House of Fashion and the Administration of Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

Many onlookers were dissatisfied with the limited number of floats and costume bands (though these have improved over the years) and urged that the business community sponsor costumes as in the earlier years, when these were designed and funded by them and Government agencies.

A combination of bright colours, rhythms and movements was evident all around as Mash participants braved the heat to bounce to the theme of ‘United are we in 2003’.

The members of the costume bands danced behind ‘boom boom’ boxes from Tacuma Turn to Fort Canje, where the parade culminated.

Whether or not they wore costumes, the revellers just let themselves go as they tramped through the streets.

Many Berbicians had the opportunity to catch up with long-lost friends. Most of the young females wore as little as possible. Halter-tops, strapless and tank tops were popular in the trendy colours of red, tangerine, green, silver, brown and yellow. These were paired with shorts or jeans.

Beer and other beverages flowed freely and food vendors, whose stalls displayed a range of delicious local cuisine, did brisk business on Main Street.

Several barbecue grills releasing the tantalising aromas of cooked chicken and wild meat added to the wonderful atmosphere.

While some children opted to have their faces painted, others purchased stuffed toys or adorned themselves with local jewellery on sale at a Rastafarian booth.

Pitt Street, the main shopping area in the town, had been crowded since last Monday by vendors from the City who sought to provide Berbicians with fashionable outfits at reasonable prices.

Cool Down carts and the NP Fried Chicken Mobile Unit also travelled from the capital to compete with their counterparts and secure spots between Kent Street and Shoe Lane.

Along the route, the King and Queen of the Costume Bands surrounded by their loyal subjects, gyrated to the rhythms of the music with innovative and traditional dance steps.

The Masquerade Bands, complete with “Mother Sally”, “Mad Cow”, flouncers and stick-fighters, were also a delight to the spectators.