THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was quite lively with the Mashramani spirit on Friday as beautiful young women in impressive costumes and live steel pan music greeted passengers.The Caribbean Airlines (CAL) initiative saw three young ladies handing out CAL’s brand items. Kinjaz Pan Ensemble, a seven-piece steel ensemble, entertained passengers and others at the airport for more than three hours. Passengers who arrived on CAL during the morning period of February 21 and 22 were able to leave the airport with the Mash vibes.
A passenger enjoys the Mash festivities at CJIA
One of the passengers explained that he planned his vacation since last year. According to him, he loves Mashramani and during this period he is able to ‘catch up’ with his friends and share in the merriment.
The management of CJIA upped the ante on Mashramani activities and décor. Apart from decorating the terminal building’s exterior to highlight this year’s theme of “One People, One Culture, One Celebration”, management allowed local designer, Maxi Williams, to showcase two of his creations in the Arrivals Hall.
Mashramani is an annual festival that celebrates Guyana becoming a Republic in 1970. The festival will be observed today and includes a colourful costume parade and mostly soca and chutney music as a backdrop to a grand street picnic in celebration of the “Birth of the Republic”.
The word “Mashramani” is derived from an Amerindian language and in translation means “the celebration after hard work”.