Travel Guyana – Mash 2025 Overview
The Grand Celebration – Mashramani 2025
As Guyana gears up for Mashramani 2025, the spirit of unity, cultural pride, and jubilation is already in the air. According to Director of National Events, Andrew Tyndall, this year’s celebration will elevate this important milestone to new heights. Over the next month, the nation will come alive with a series of electrifying events leading up to the grand Costume and Float Parade on February 23rd. From high-energy competitions to immersive cultural showcases, this year’s festivities promise to be more spectacular than ever.
A Month of Music, Art, and Culture
The celebrations kick off in early February with a host of pre-Mash activities designed to ignite the Mashramani spirit across the country. Some of the highlights are the various song competitions featuring some of the nation’s top calypso, soca, chutney, and dancehall artists. These shows, held at venues across the country, set the stage for the high-energy performances expected throughout the season.
For the younger generation, the Children’s Mashramani Costume Parade and Competition, which will commence at the Independence Park ground on Middle Street, and wend its way to the National Park will showcase creativity and national pride through colourful costumes and enthusiastic performances. Schools from all ten administrative regions will participate, ensuring that the next generation carries forward the legacy of Mashramani.
The Calypso Monarch Finals will bring powerful and witty lyrical performances, as calypsonians vie for the coveted title. This event, which takes place on Main Street this year, remains a cornerstone of Mash, highlighting the art of storytelling through music.
The rhythm intensifies with the Soca Monarch and Chutney Monarch finals, where high-energy performances will have audiences dancing into the night. The former will be held at the Georgetown Bus Park in McKenzie, Linden and the latter at Classic Hotel Parking Lot, Skeldon, Corentyne, in Region 6.
For those who appreciate the rich percussive heritage of Guyana, the Republic Bank Panorama Steel Band Competition at Kingston Beach offers an evening of mesmerizing steel pan performances, showcasing the incredible talent of local pannists. Meanwhile, the Dancehall Monarch Competition, set for the 1823 Monument site on the Kitty seawall, will see emerging and established artists battling for supremacy in this ever-evolving Caribbean musical genre.
Street Celebrations and Last Lap Fêtes
As Mashramani day approaches, the excitement builds with street events such as Banks Mash in de Avenue and A Taste of Guyana, which will transform Main Street into a hub of music, food, and festivities. The highly anticipated Flag Raising Ceremony on February 22nd at Public Buildings serves as a moment of national reflection, celebrating Guyana’s journey as a republic.
On February 23rd, the capital will explode with colour, sound, and movement as the Costume and Float Parade makes its way through the streets of Georgetown. Revellers in elaborate costumes, lively soca beats, and an infectious energy will fill the streets as we celebrate in true Mashramani fashion.
The celebrations don’t stop there—Masharama at Kingston Beach on the night of February 23rd will offer a grand finale with an unforgettable party atmosphere, featuring live music, and the ultimate last-lap experience.
A Celebration for All
Mashramani 2025 is more than just a festival; it is a month-long tribute to Guyana’s history, culture, and people. From the artistic expressions of calypso and steel pan to the joyous gatherings at shows and parades, every event adds to the rich tapestry of this national celebration. Whether you’re dancing in the streets, competing for a title, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Mashramani is a time to reflect on our past, embrace our present, and look forward to an even brighter future.
So, let’s come together, wave our flags high, and celebrate Mashramani 2025—Expressing Our Culture and Creativity as One Guyana!