-by NaAsia Bristol
Preparations are in high gear for the return of the Guyana Festival, with final touches being made ahead of tomorrow’s opening at the Guyana National Stadium.
After a 12-year break, Guyana Festival is set to officially return tomorrow and preparations are moving full speed ahead here at the National Stadium.
Workers are seen erecting tents, installing lighting and sound systems, and preparing stages for the three-day cultural showcase.
Booths representing Guyana’s diverse heritage are also taking shape, with signs already in place for villages highlighting Amerindian, African, Indian, Chinese, Portuguese, and European cultures.
“It’s independence, and what it does is capturing our culture, this cultural diversity that we’ve known for as a country, culture, history, and food. All of that is being brought together. So when you’re here for this Guyana Festival, more or less you are coming to experience Guyana and its richness,” Guyana Festival Committee member, Cordell McClure explained.
The festival, being staged under the theme Song, Soul, and Taste, will feature cultural performances, culinary displays, concerts, craft exhibitions, and family-friendly entertainment as part of Guyana’s 60th Independence Celebration.
“This is a family event, so we want to encourage people to bring out the entire family, not just for entertainment, but also for the historical relevance,” he added.
The opening ceremony begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, and will be free to the public until 8 p.m., with President Dr. Muhammad Irfan Ali expected to deliver the feature address.