The stage is set for a massive, colorful masquerade on the streets of Georgetown on Feb. 23, according to seasoned, talented, costume designer Nelsion Nurse, who told Caribbean Life that compared to past years, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport started preparation early to celebrate Guyana’s 56th Republic Anniversary, and the Mashramani parade.
The Children’s Costume parade began the season on Saturday, Feb 14 in Guyana, under the theme, Expressing Our Culture Through Innovation and Creativity.
In addition to his role in the Heritage Band, Nurse was tasked with designing costumes for masqueraders of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, which will put more than 500 costume-clad masqueraders on the parade route, showcasing a variety of concepts.
The Heritage Band, which will depict Guyana’s natural resources in vivid neon colors with 75 revelers, said Nelson, will put on a stirring display to vie in the small band category, said the costume and pageant designer for Miss Bartica Regatta and Mr. and Miss Talented Teen.
“During this year, we have been talking about natural resources. Not only oil and gas, but also our beauty, the things that I think people begin to overlook. Other than the mineral wealth, we have natural resources in terms of flora and fauna,” he said.
The creations will incorporate Guyana’s animals, including the Jaguar and Hummingbird, to show the country’s growth, said the champion designer, who has won first prize in the Small Band Category and the Best Designer Award, Male & Female, in 2013.
For nationals traveling from the diaspora around the world, Nelson shared. “We have a few open spots remaining for Masqueraders. Persons could visit our mas camp at the Theater Guild Playhouse in Kingston, Georgetown, to purchase available costumes,” adding that the band is offering a party package where revelers can join the Harmony Band truck that will be in the float parade.
“I expect Marsh this year to be very colorful, bright, and vibrant, expressed Nurse, a top-class designer who has won numerous accolades for his creations over the years.
