Mashramani in retrospect
By Mondale Smith
Kaieteur News
February 18, 2007
The countdown is on to the staging of the nation's major cultural activities and Guyana is once again gearing to enjoy “a day of celebration after hard work” on February 23.
This year promises to be the best yet according to the Mash Committee even as some in the know are opining for the most part that things will be no different from the years gone by.
On Mash day Guyanese and tourists alike will line the streets early for a glimpse of the revelers who will parade along Church Street and Irving Street before facing the judges at the National Park.
Based on conversations casual interactions with a great number of the participants, I soon realised that many are not aware of or have forgotten the Mash story. Below I make an attempt to refresh memories or enlighten the unaware.
“Mash in Guyana , People Going Crazy, Moving up their right hand and shaking up their bodies!!!”
Former Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Gail Texiera during her tenure dubbed it “one of those times of the year when Guyanese come together and celebrate with diverse colours and festivity, the spirit of unity.” This festival she said connotes the togetherness and festivity of the period and reflects the love and hospitality that Guyanese are known for all over the world.”
The word “Mashramani” is derived from the Arawak language and means celebration after a successful cooperative effort.
FLASH BACK: HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Since Guyana became independent in 1966 the Jaycees of Linden had been arranging and organising an Independence Carnival in Mackenzie.
With the advent of Guyana becoming a Republic in February 1970, the Jaycees of Linden under President Harmon Nobreiga formed a Jaycees Republic Celebrations Committee.
Basil Butcher was selected as Chairman but due to his being selected to tour Australia with the West Indies Cricket Team, Mr. James ‘Jim' Blackman was appointed as the Deputy to carry on.
A broad based committee including resource personnel such as Wordsworth McAndrew, Arthur Seymour, and Adrian Thompson, began the organisation of the Carnival activities.
The search for a name to replace Carnival began and it was suggested by Basil Butcher that an Amerindian name be chosen. This was agreed to, and several individuals including Allan Fietdkou, an Amerindian, were contacted.
Fietdkou held discussions with his grandfather who explained a type of Festival that was held by Amerindians whenever they gather to celebrate a special event. This event he said was like "Muster Many" and sounded in Arawak like Mashramani. The Amerindian word is said to be Mashirimehi, which means "Co-operative effort"
Steps were taken to confirm this. Adrian Thompson concluded that since no one could have confirmed or denied that the Arawak work for Festival was Mashramani, then the Festival could be called Mashramani.
One February 23rd, 1970, the Festival called "Mashramani" was a huge success with people drawn from all Regions of Guyana to Linden welcoming Guyana 's Republic Status with over three days of frolic and fun.
After witnessing the massive crowds, glitter and level of competition, Mr. David Singh, a Government Official held discussions with the Jaycees Committee about bringing the event to Georgetown .
Approval was also given by the then President Forbes Burnham for Mash to be the National Event for the Republic celebration.
Mash activities were rotated in Linden , Berbice and Georgetown but due to sponsorship, the Costume Bands contest remained in Georgetown .
Mash has become even more attractive with music and this tradition is very much alive even today especially with the Carib Soca Monarch and the Calypso competitions.
CALYPSO
This art form of social commentary often referred to as the virtual music of Mashramani. Calypso remains an avenue for self-expression, comical insights, political digs and entertainment. On the local scene, Adult and Junior Calypsonians compete for the title of Monarch. The winner in the adult Category this year collects a handy sum of $550,000 and that individual is judged on melody, lyrics and presentation among other things. As Mash looms, calypsonians share their stories that are sweet music to our ears. Their catchy pieces make for crowd-pleasing performances.
The Carib Soca Monarch is now in its fourth year and the only two-time monarch is Adrian Dutchin.
COSTUME COMPETITIONS
The main attraction or culmination of Mash celebrations is the costume float parade staged on February 23. This celebration, which most have come to look forward to, has now become deeply entrenched in the revelry referred to as the "Costume Competition".
No other event highlights the splendour of Mashramani and brings the nations' diverse peoples together.
CHILDREN
On the heel of the National Children's Mashramani competition is the children's Costume and Float Parade (held yesterday) which this year was sponsored by the Topco and UNICEF.
MASQUERADE
To some this art form is in it dying stages for want of commitment, however Mash would never be complete without Masquerade as these were around even before the major costumes came into play.
This is one of the oldest practicing art forms in Guyana .
It was traditionally a Christmas custom but has become an integral part of Mashramani and other celebrations in Guyana . The competition categories include Flouncers, ‘Mother Sally', ‘Bam Bam Sally', Mad Bull, etc., all coming together through music provided by the Boom, the Kittle, the Fife and Steel.
This concludes on Mash Day when the bands join the costume revelers on the road, quite often leading the procession. On that occasion the “Band of the Road” is judged.
Some of the popular bands include ‘Joker is Wild', ‘Fire in the Land Region', ‘Kabaca', ‘Village Ram', ‘Hopetown Revelers' and ‘The Torch & Frame'. It is hoped that the art will be revived to its original status.