The best of both worlds
Stabroek News
December 25, 2004
The best of both worlds at Christmas: We asked three foreign diplomats based in George-town how they have found the holiday in Guyana and how it differs from the celebrations back home.
Brazilian Ambassador Ney Prado Dieguez
'We do things a little different in Brazil at Christmas time, but the festivities are the same. December 24th really is our big day back home, since we get together and exchange gifts on that day. People throw parties and we feast on the 24th, while the 25th is more quiet and reserved for churchgoers, with families having a traditional lunch. Despite all this, New Year's Day is more of an anticipated [holiday]. Brazilians usually take to the beaches on New Year's Eve and we celebrate. People would pay homage to the water goddesses Iemanja and Oxum by laying flowers and gifts in the water. Then there are the fireworks, but Rio usually has the more spectacular displays.
'As for Christmas in Guyana, I have found it to be wonderful. I often keep it quiet and would pass the time just having a few drinks and enjoying a good Guyanese meal. I have had my share of pepperpot which I have enjoyed very much. What I normally do is spend Christ-mas in Guyana and then travel to Brazil for New Year to enjoy the festivities there.'
US Ambassador Roland Bullen
'Whether I am in Guyana or the US, Christmas has been about invitations to parties. Everybody throws a party during this season in Guyana, and I have enjoyed the gatherings. I have had some really good pepperpot and black cake here. As for back home, there is ham and turkey and all the Christmas trimmings.
'This year I am going to Grenada to spend Christmas with my brother over there. I have not visited since the hurricane, but I am looking forward to a warm Grenadian Christmas.'
Venezuelan Charge d'Affaires Fernando Rincon
'This will be my fourth Christmas in Guyana, and I am looking forward to it. I hope to pass the day this year like I usually do: have the local traditional meals and
join some friends to elebrate. I enjoy the local pepperpot dish, but my preference has always been to eat it with rice or with provisions instead of bread. I also like the black cake. There is just a minimal difference in Christmas celebrations between my country and Guyana. 'In Venezuela, we celebrate on December 24th while your festivity is on the 25th. After the gala on the 24th, Venezuelans continue to make merry on the following day with left-overs. Our traditional dish is hallaca, which looks something like conkie, but is prepared with meat.
'One thing that I have noticed is that Guyanese usually spend Christmas Day with their families, that is in most cases, but back home we would make it more open and invite friends to share the day.
'I must say that New Year is an important day in Venezuela. That is the day we consider very personal and would spend only with dear ones. At the exact stroke of the clock at midnight, everyone takes pleasure in holding that loved one close, whether it is your mother, father or that special someone.'