Whether it is Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival or Guyana’s Mashramani, these festivities offer the best time to be in the Caribbean. The region, in general, is a beautiful vacation spot to do a wide range of things: honeymoon, spa getaways, cruises and safari adventures. Trinidad and Tobago is known for its amazing beaches and Guyana for its most diverse tropical rain forests.
Born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, I have experienced firsthand the wild, crazy fun of Mashramani. It is an Amerindian word, specifically Arawak in origin, which basically means "a venture.” The Amerindians depended on the cultivation of cassava, fishing and hunting in order to survive. After the successful gathering of food, the Amerindian families gather around to enjoy the day in dance and music. Mashramani is exactly that; a celebration for all Guyanese people to come together as “one nation, one people” (Guyana’s motto) to enjoy a day of dance and music.
The best part of Mashramani is the revealing, multicolored costumes. Everyone including myself enjoys the once a year, just being comfortable in their own skin. This celebration is a time to enjoy one’s culture and to hear the new releases of reggae and soca music. The date of the celebration is usually held on February 23. If attending, be aware of the nudity, wild partying and vulgar speech.
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