Guyana: Events

What is happening in Guyana:

Guyana's multi-racial population brings its traditions and various festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. All Guyanese regardless of their ethnic origins or religious bent celebrate these festivals.

January

• New Year's Day - January 1 - National Holiday
• Youman Nabi - Early January -National Holiday

February

• Republic Day - February 23 - National Day
• Mashramani - February 23 - National Day

Mashramani is a word that is derived from the Amerindian language, which means "the celebration of a job well done". Mashramani, which is sometimes called "Mash", is usually observed on the 23rd day of February, which is Guyana's Republic Day to commemorate the birth of the Republic. There are float parades, masquerade bands, dancing in the streets to the accompaniment of steel band music and calypsos.

March

• Phagwah (early March)

Phagwah is a Hindu religious holiday observed in March to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Hindus traditionally wear white on Phagwah day and throw a red liquid on each other. The red dye symbolizes the blood or the tyrannical King Kiranya who is alleged to have been burnt alive by his son.

April

• Easter Holidays - Good Friday Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (Easter Holidays are either in late March or early April)

May

• Labour Day - May 1 - National Holiday

July

• Caricom Day -July 1

August

• Emancipation Day - First Monday in August

December

• Christmas Day - December 25
• Boxing Day - December 26

Guyana celebrates the international Christian holiday of Christmas to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The feeling of peace, love and joy transcend all ethnic, religious and ethnic barriers.