Festive holiday trees, enticing smells of tasty local dishes, thousands of Christmas lights and a joyful atmosphere are some of the exciting attractions at the second Christmas Village on Main Street in downtown Georgetown.
From the grand opening on December 6 through to December 29, an area along Main Street’s avenue reflects the original Christmas Village charm, of a holiday shopping atmosphere with more vendors, a Christmas market and an event space.
Persons can enjoy traditional Christmas black cakes, foods, beverages, art and craft, and weekly entertainment for the adults and children.
At the opening ceremony, Minister Irfaan Ali stated that events like the Christmas Village add a special flair to the Christmas season, where the traditional Guyanese Christmas can be enjoyed. He added that more importantly, it creates a wholesome environment for family and friends to gather.
A significant aspect of the accommodation this year is safe parking. Visitors gathering to share in the festivity at the Christmas Village can be assured of safe and secured parking.
Guyana Times Sunday Magazine spoke to a few exhibitors who expressed their appreciation for the event and the forum it gives them to advertise their products, especially at this time of the year.
Designer/artist Deborah Matthias, founder of RAVE, which is also co-founded by fellow designer/artist Roger Evelyn – both better known for their creative Mash costumes – said she is thankful for the Christmas Village because she recently launched a collection of fashionable handmade jewellery and the event is the perfect opportunity to showcase it. She pointed out that her jewellery is made from local products such as precious stones, seeds and leather, and so far is a hit with foreigners.
“The response has been overwhelming. People are amazed at how seeds can be transformed into creative products, especially jewellery. Forums such as these are excellent for artists to showcase their work,” she noted.
Roxanne Adams, a visual artist teacher at St George’s High School for more than 20 years, has an array of beautiful craft items and seasonal handmade home decorations. Roxanne said she has been exhibiting for years on Main Street and can be found there usually on Saturdays or when she is on school holiday. For those yearning for mauby and other local drinks this Christmas, Roxanne has a cold glass – or glasses – waiting for you.
At Roxanne’s booth you will see a “Craft in Action” sign, which was the name she officially gave her business after a visit by the late president Janet Jagan.
“Mrs Jagan would come visit me regularly and would comment how I’m always working and ‘always in action’. Then a friend recommended, after she heard what the late president said, to name the business Craft in Action. I’m grateful for the Christmas Village because it provides an excellent opportunity to showcase my products,” Roxanne declared.
Roxanne also does catering for any event and can be contacted on 644-9595.
For plant lovers, Junior, also an artist, has lovely knitted flower baskets. He said he has been making them for more than 27 years and they are perfect to enhance the home.
“These flower baskets were a popular feature of the homes back in the days and still continues to be a popular décor. I love to beautify homes and people. I make jewellery with only local products. I even take my work outside of Guyana, not only to build appreciation for local products but to ultimately sell Guyana overseas. I want people to come see what we offer and to enjoy the beauty of our country,” Junior said.
He can be contacted on 688-9698 or 611-0540, and can be found at the Christmas Village knitting his flower baskets.
Christmas Village is organized by the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry and supported by companies including Giftland, Courts, GT&T, Ashmins, Ansa Mcal, Banks DIH, China Trading and Corona. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
