A kaleidoscope of colours, brilliantly bedecked floats, vivid costumes and a large animated crowd were the scene at the Children’s Mashramani Costume Parade yesterday.
As the sun beat down, the children made it even hotter as they culminated their Mashramani competitions and activities, dancing to groovy Soca rhythms enjoying every moment of it.
For the first time in years, children representing all ten administrative regions were part of the parade as it took to the streets starting around 9.30 am.
The excitement permeated the air as the children gathered at the parade ground – the usual assembly point for their parade – anxious to be on their way. Many persons exclaimed at the intricate costumes and floats as the children representing nursery, primary and secondary schools and organisations in the administrative regions gyrated and moved down the streets.
The costumes paraded were those that won prizes in the recently concluded children’s Mashramani competitions.
There was no shortage of music for the enthusiastic children and even teachers to move to as they made their way down the road stopping every now and then to show off a well-coordinated dance sequence. The children of the Ptolemy Reid Centre were at the hub of the excitement; many of them waving flags and enjoying themselves.
From the parade ground the procession moved down Middle Street into Camp Street, they entertained the crowds on Lamaha Street and finally turned into Albert Street and to the National Park where the judges and filled stands awaited their entrance.
The nursery schools were the first to put in their appearance before the judges, followed by the primary schools, individual primary and secondary followed this with other organisations coming in at last but definitely not least. In an extravagant display of style, the secondary school finalists showed why they were the winners in the categories they had represented. Especially fascinating were the students of Region Three, who wowed the judges with a captivating co-ordination, moving quite well although there was a large band of revelers in the grouping.
The Hinterland Scholarship students, who make a splash every year, were resplendent in their tiger-striped and purple outfits, headed by a blazing golden float dazzling in the sun. Stopping before the judges, they performed a wonderfully orchestrated dance and stylishly made their exit. Dolphin Secondary was not to be outdone as ‘Mr and Mrs Universe’ came with their entourage and performed to applause for their elegant display.
By 2 pm, the well-coordinated event was all but completed at the National Park.
