Inter Guianas Cultural Festival Experience

I didn't even know this existed and was currently on! Maybe it's because I don't watch Guyana TV or have an opportunity to listen to the radio. I do think it's the responsibility of my friends here to tell me what's going on... but, at least I stumbled upon it eventually!

What's this all about? Three countries, two hot girls, one fun night.

Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. What do you know about them? Did you even realize that all three existed? Did you know there used to be FIVE Guianas? British, Spanish, French, Dutch and Portuguese Guiana? 

Last night we were treated to a Fashion Show from Suriname, French Guiana and Guyana. But first, there was GUYANA NIGHT! It was interestingly depicted by a tourist landing in Guyana and being shown around the country. We heard the plane arriving, the "Welcome to Guyana" and then we see them as they head through the town.. and pass through the market. Lots of women colourfully dressed, the local newspaper being sold, etc. There's a point when the tourist asks, "What you got?" and the response is "WEED!". And of course he's introduced to all the different herbs and "bushes" used in Guyana. Then he gets offered Coconut Water (sung to Jamaica's Harry Belafonte popular tune). There is a masquerade (which we would call Jonkanoo in Jamaica), and then there was a Mashramani (see earlier blog post) staging. The tourist certainly enjoyed himself running after all the girls. They then moved into some reggae/dancehall presentations. We also saw a Kwe-kwe which is a tradition performed the night before an Afro-Guyanese wedding and also saw a Hindu wedding. It was certainly a good fun way to showcase Guyana - and the tourist surely enjoyed himself.

The fashions were distinctive and it was interesting to see the use of beads, feathers and fabric in the Suriname dress. French Guiana showcased different scarves used as a head-dress and then of course some more sophisticated fashions with intricate designs. Guyana did an entire history and showed how different ethnic groups arrived and dressed over the years. We saw Amerindians, Whites, Blacks, Indians, Chinese and of course, they ended with what the current children of Guyana look like. It was clearly one big melting pot.

Two Hot Girls

I attended with my friend and it was clear we stole the show! Haha.  We were at the National Culture Center - which of course has a dress code. No shorts, no tee-shirts, no jeans, etc. But naturally, we dressed up - for the night! It was fitting!

It was a fun night. I think I learned a thing or two. Did you?