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Christmas masquerade fever hits Essequibo tomorrow night

Dec 18, 2009 News

– 12 bands to clash for almost $1M

All roads lead to the Essequibo coast this weekend where one of Guyana’s oldest traditions will be placed in the spotlight.
Through major corporate sponsorship from Banks DIH, Japarts, Macorp, and Demerara Bank the mega-event of the festive season on the Essequibo Coast – the 2nd Annual Pomeroon Oil Mill Inc. ‘Bad Cow’ and Masquerade competition – is set for staging tomorrow night on the tarmac at the Xenon Hotel and Bar.
Andron Alphonso, C.E.O. Pomeroon Oil Mill Inc., of Alfro Alphonso and Sons Enterprises, said much is on the offer for domestic tourism/ entertainment. “We have about 12 masquerade bands that have been in preparations for this competition and the energy and techniques will be at an all-time high as they compete for more than $700,000 cash plus other prizes.”
While it’s a mostly private effort, Alphonso said his committee is working to ensure that the art form lives on in the Essequibo. He also said that his group is optimistic that “it will eventually becomes a national event that starts to usher in the traditional Christmas spirit and the into Mashramani celebrations”.
The competition will feature familiar characters such as Bam Bam Sally, Big-belly man, Mother Sally, Cow Catcher, the fowl cock and the dreaded mad cow, as well as flouncers. “These dancers and showmen and women signal a time of year when we forget our differences and unify to enjoy the holiday season as one people.
Alphonso with conviction said “over the last 10 years, this tradition has began to pale into insignificance and the bands no longer beckon the start of the season of great cheer, so we are aiming to bring back the glory days.”   Alphonso is also assuring that arrangements are in place to cater for an attendance of more than 5,000 patrons tomorrow night. He also assured that “it will be bigger and better, with more bands, more prizes and live performances by local artists and popular DJs”
Part of the proceeds of the premier event of the festive season on the Essequibo Coast will be used to assist the Charity Youth Sports Club and the Region Two Centre for the Disabled.

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