Traditional Easter Monday captivates tourists
Kaieteur News
April 10, 2007
Hundreds flocked open grounds yesterday to take part in traditional Easter Monday kite-flying activities.
Kites dotted the skies and could be seen for miles in their many colours, sizes and shapes.
The National Park attracted families by the droves and many used the opportunity to set up tents and picnic all day while flying kites and indulging in sports such as cricket and football. But there were those who could be observed relaxing in the shade of the trees.
One family, the Augustins, was observed enjoying the traditional picnic.
“After fasting for Lent and taking part in church activities, we use the Easter Monday holiday to engage in a family reunion and picnic, fly kites, play sports and catch ..It is a large family,” said Pamela Augustin.
Among some of the more extraordinary kites were whales, sharks, dragons and lifelike birds.
Kaieteur News observed two particularly huge kites, one thirteen and a half feet high and the other ten feet, which the owners were struggling to hoist.
As is customary beverage stands and food bars could be found everywhere, and popular stereo bands blasted popular tunes from several music boxes.
There were also tourists among the crowds. One such person, Jim Laws, indicated that there is no such event in the United States. “The Monday after Easter persons would have to go back to work…It is nice that persons can go out with their families and picnic and take part in this unique kite day.
“This is a truly unique experience to see so many kites decorating the skies,” he added.
Another tourist, Roy Tiwari, who recently returned to Guyana from London after spending 20 years overseas, noted that never in his life has he seen so many kites at one event… “This is truly a remarkable experience,” he said.
Another packed location was the Everest Cricket Club ground where persons braved the scorching heat to take part in their kite-flying activities.
Scores flocked the East Coast corridor between Kitty and Liliendaal, where tents were erected to comfort the many who sought to take advantage of the seawall breeze.
Leader of the main Parliamentary Opposition, Robert Corbin, was also out and about yesterday, taking part in the kite flying activities.
Corbin noted that it is nice to see persons turn out in their numbers to observe the resurrection of Christ which is the significance of Easter.
He added that he was daunted by the exorbitant prices attached to kites, which is a tell tale sign of the cost of living in the country.
Corbin however noted that it is a reason for boys to take an opportunity to be fully involved in the kite-making which seems to be a lost tradition.
He noted that last weekend he distributed 1000 kites to underprivileged children in Linden and Sophia.
He said that next year he proposes to host a workshop to teach children to make kites and distribute materials which will also revive the tradition of making kites rather than having people purchase them.