By Chevon Lim
Both visitors and locals are in for an exhilarating Easter weekend; from participating in traditional kite flying, to joining in the adrenaline filled Easter Rodeo in Lethem, there is much to celebrate and enjoy. There are many fun-filled activities during this period, ranging from the traditional Pakaraima Mountain Safari to the relatively new Sand Creek Rodeo.
The Easter weekend celebrations commence with Good Friday observances on March 30th and stretches to Easter Monday, April 2nd. Picnicking, kite flying and general enjoyment are all components of the annual Easter festival in Guyana. In Georgetown, the Botanical Gardens, the National Park and along the sea wall families gather to celebrate together. These areas are hot spots for Easter activities; here you can see thousands of kites of all colours, sizes, and shapes flittering the air as adults and children alike hoist them high.
For many Guyanese their activity of choice varies during this period; where some prefer to bask in the religious nuances of the occasion, others prefer to relish in the revelry and excitement surrounding all of the fun filled events that are staged across the country .Whatever the choice, this celebratory period will be littered with a multitude of events stretching from Region 6 to the Rupununi; each expected to attract thousands from at home and abroad.
This exciting period commences with the ever popular Pakaraima Mountain Safari, which commences today, 25th March and which will culminate on April 1st. This journey of over 600 miles winds through 25 Amerindian Villages, between mountain passes and over mountain tops to the amazing Orinduik Water Falls. This frontier is blessed with a wide range of flora and fauna and the rich history of our indigenous peoples. This Mountain Safari is organised by Rainforest Tours.
This event is followed by the Bartica Regatta and its impressive lineup of activities beginning on March 31st and stretching until Easter Sunday. For those who seek a more adventurous holiday, the Lethem Rodeo also commences on March 31st and runs until April 1st as well. This popular national event is staged in vaquero country, and competition runs high among the various ranches of the region.
Now an Easter tradition, the Rodeo brings thousands thronging to the destination, by planes, cars, or 4×4 trucks. Held in Lethem, the activity will allow visitors the opportunity to see cowboys from the various ranches pit their skills against each another in friendly competitions. With its origins in the 1960’s, the event has gained national and international reputation, drawing increasing spectators and participants from around the world. It is a historical tradition and a celebration of the cowboy lifestyle that Guyana’s Rupununi Savannahs are renowned for.
While these are some of the main events during this celebratory period, there are many other activities staged across the country, these include GMRSC Motor racing which will kick off today, the Savannah Drive to the Rupununi and Orinduik Falls slated for March 27th, the annual Lake Mainstay Car and Bike Show for March 31st and the Sand Creek Rodeo slated for April 2nd.
Most of the activities will culminate on Easter Day, Monday April 2nd when the skies over the city will be adorned with kites of all shapes, colours and themes expertly navigated by the thousands of Guyanese and tourists flocking one of the popular venues to participate in this age old tradition.
For many families, the annual activity is highly anticipated and the Easter Holidays would be incomplete without a trip to the #63 Beach for heaping helpings of relaxation, sun, food and family fun for everyone. The festivities at the beach are an integral part of the promotion of domestic tourism and allows for the showcasing of Guyanese Easter traditions, in addition, families flock every year to participate in the annual Kite Flying Competition there.
With such an impressive itinerary, it is anticipated that next few weeks will see an influx of visitors; whatever the choice, regardless of the preference, one thing is guaranteed; Guyana is the destination of choice for the upcoming period and visitors and locals should be prepared to be swept up in the flurry of activities planned to commemorate the cherished occasion.
