Over 35 bands are expected to be a part of the 50th Jubilee Costume and Float Parade, on Thursday, May 26 when Guyanese will celebrate the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
According to GINA, the bands will also travel a new route, from the customary one taken for the annual Mashramani Costume and Float parade.
Addressing the launch of the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport’s, 50 days Countdown to Jubilee today, Special Project Officer of Ceremony for the celebrations, Lennox Canterbury said that the Ministry is projecting a 35-band participation in the parade, though it is aiming to have 50.
He explained however, that registration continues, and that a large number of requested registration forms, have not yet been returned.
Questioned by the media, Canterbury explained that thus far, it is the regular big companies, ministries, private groups and regions that have confirmed their participation in the parade.
As it relates to the route, he explained that the parade will kick off at the usual starting point-Church and Camp Streets at 10:00hrs. The parade however, will proceed west on Church Street to Avenue of the Republic, then make a left onto the Avenue of the Republic, where it will go south, then turn east onto Brickdam, then straight into the Jubilee Park (Durban Park,) for the final round of judging.
He said that the bands will exit the park through the eastern most bridge, then, proceed east along Homestretch Avenue, where they can either disband by the National Cultural Centre (NCC) or anywhere along that route.
Meanwhile, Artistic Director Dr. Seeta Shah-Roath explained that the designers, companies, ministries, regional representatives and other participating entities are looking at the five decades of Guyana from different perspectives as it relates to the concept and designs of the floats and bands.
All the participating entities will seek to capture the theme of the 50th celebration – ‘Reflect, Celebrate and Inspire’.
“They are looking at the persons who were the major movers and shakers within the particular decades. They are looking at the new highlights, the major achievements whether as a nation, as a company, region, within the decade,” she said.
Prior to the parade will be the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Jubilee Park on the May 25.
Canterbury explained that for this ceremony there will be cultural activities that involve song, music, and dance and that these would take place prior to the arrival of diplomats, the President and the Prime Minister.
The parade will move off the square of the Jubilee Park and the night will end with fireworks display, Canterbury added.
