Despite heavy rainfall that has left much of the city under water, the annual Mashramani Parade will be held today, according to Minister of Culture Frank Anthony.
At a hastily called press briefing yesterday, Anthony said, “Tomorrow [today] is a national holiday. There will be a flag raising ceremony at Parliament building and in other regions. After the flag raising ceremony, the parade will be at 10am at the usual starting point.”
According to Anthony, the parade will proceed despite showers which are expected today. “Substantial preparations have already been made for tomorrow, so we have to strike a balance,” the minister said, explaining the reason for not postponing the parade.
Over eight inches of rainfall, over the course of Sunday and Monday, left the city inundated and raised questions about the fate of the parade. Anthony noted that this year may not be the ideal situation for patrons, who usually come out in their numbers to view the parade, but he was hopeful that conditions will improve.
