Colourful costumes, lively calypso and proud displays of school spirit marked this year’s National Children’s Mashramani Competition and Parade, as students from across Guyana took part in events leading up to the country’s 56th Republic anniversary.
Organised by the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts, the three‑day festival began on Thursday, February 12, at the National Cultural Centre under the theme “Little Builders of One Guyana: Learning Together, Shaping a Digital Tomorrow.” Nearly 1,500 students from all eleven education districts participated in competitions spanning calypso, dramatic poetry, dance, hip hop, masquerade and more, highlighting both talent and creativity.
The opening day focused on calypso and dramatic poetry, with young performers delivering socially themed songs and verses that drew applause from parents, teachers and cultural officials. In the calypso competitions:
- Zelie James of Santa Rosa Primary School (8–10 age group) won first place with her performance “Don’t Underestimate Individuals Like Me.”
- Tatianna Benn (11–13) claimed first place with “I Love My Country,” while Atiya Mohamed won the 14–18 age group.
- In dramatic poetry, Amia Peters took the top prize with her piece “Hope of Silence.”
The competitions were designed to celebrate Guyana’s culture while encouraging young people to cultivate artistic skills and teamwork. Education Minister Sonia Parag highlighted the role of the arts in the country’s “Orange Economy,” which seeks to harness cultural industries for national development.
The celebrations culminated on Saturday, February 14, with the Children’s Costume and Road Parade through Georgetown. Students, teachers and school bands marched along city streets in vibrant costumes, accompanied by floats and choreographed performances that celebrated Guyanese identity and unity. Photos and videos shared by the Ministry of Education captured the energy and creativity of the young participants, who received cheers from large crowds lining the parade route.
Mashramani, often called “Mash,” commemorates Guyana’s achievement of republican status in 1970 under the Forbes Burnham government, when the country became a republic within the Commonwealth. Republican status means that Guyana replaced the British monarch as head of state with a locally chosen president, asserting full political sovereignty while retaining membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. The festival, which blends celebration, culture and national pride, marks this historic achievement every year.
Officials said the event not only fosters artistic expression and cultural pride but also strengthens a sense of national identity among the country’s youth. “The Children’s Mashramani Competition reminds us that even our youngest citizens can contribute to shaping Guyana’s future while honouring its rich cultural heritage,” Parag said.
This year’s festival exemplifies how Mashramani continues to blend celebration, education and cultural expression, leaving lasting impressions on participants and spectators alike.
