Guyana is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the Caribbean, and its festival calendar reflects that beautifully. With Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Indigenous, and Afro-Guyanese celebrations spread throughout the year, there is almost always something happening. In 2026, the calendar is even more packed than usual thanks to the Diamond Jubilee — Guyana's 60th anniversary of independence.
This guide covers every major festival and event from March 2026 through early 2027, with the dates, locations, and practical information you need to plan around them. For deeper dives into individual celebrations, we link to our dedicated guides throughout.
2026 Festivals & Events at a Glance
Here is the complete calendar of major festivals, public holidays, and cultural events for 2026. Public holidays are marked with a star. Dates for Islamic holidays are approximate and depend on moon sightings.
| Date | Event | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
| Feb 23 | Mashramani (Republic Day) | Public Holiday | Georgetown (main) |
| Mar 3 | Phagwah / Holi | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
| Mar 20* | Eid ul-Fitr | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
| Apr 3 | Good Friday | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
| Apr 3-5 | Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo | Cultural Event | Lethem |
| Apr 3-6 | Bartica Regatta | Cultural Event | Bartica |
| Apr 6 | Easter Monday / Kite Flying | Public Holiday | Nationwide (seawall) |
| May 1 | Labour Day | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
| May 5 | Indian Arrival Day | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
| May 15-31 | Diamond Jubilee Celebrations | National Event | Georgetown & nationwide |
| May 26 | Independence Day (60th) | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
| May 27* | Eid ul-Adha | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
| Jul 1 | CARICOM Day | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
| Aug 1 | Emancipation Day | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
| Aug-Sep | CPL Cricket (Guyana matches) | Sporting Event | Providence Stadium |
| Sep 1-30 | Amerindian Heritage Month | Cultural Month | Nationwide |
| Oct | Origins Festival | Cultural Event | Georgetown |
| Nov 8 | Diwali / Deepavali | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
| Dec 26 | Boxing Day | Public Holiday | Nationwide |
* Islamic holiday dates are approximate and depend on moon sightings. Confirm exact dates closer to the time. For a full public holidays breakdown, see our Guyana Public Holidays 2026 guide.
February: Mashramani (Republic Day Carnival)
Date: February 23, 2026 (Public Holiday)
Mashramani — "Mash" for short — is Guyana's biggest street celebration. The word comes from the Arawak language meaning "celebration after hard work," and it commemorates Guyana becoming a Republic on February 23, 1970. Think of it as Guyana's Carnival.
The festivities center on Georgetown with a massive costume parade along Vlissengen Road. Bands in elaborate, colorful costumes compete for prizes, steel pan orchestras fill the streets, soca and calypso blare from sound trucks, and the atmosphere is pure energy. In the weeks leading up to Mash, there are calypso competitions, pageants, and community events across the country.
How Tourists Can Join
The parade is free to watch from the sidewalks along the route. Some bands allow visitors to "jump" (dance) with them for a fee. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Georgetown hotels fill up — book weeks in advance. For the full experience, see our Mashramani 2026 Guide and our deep dive on What is Mashramani.
March: Phagwah (Holi) — Festival of Colors
Date: March 3, 2026 (Public Holiday)
Phagwah is the Hindu festival of colors, and in Guyana it is celebrated on a scale that rivals India itself. The Indo-Guyanese community (about 40% of the population) has kept this tradition alive since their ancestors arrived as indentured laborers in the 19th century. But Phagwah transcends religion — Guyanese of all backgrounds take part.
Celebrations begin weeks before with "chowtals" (devotional folk songs) performed nightly at mandirs (Hindu temples). On the eve of Phagwah, the "Holika" bonfire ceremony takes place, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. On the day itself, everyone takes to the streets armed with abeer (colored powder) and pichkaris (water sprayers), dousing anyone in sight with color. The atmosphere is joyful chaos.
How Tourists Can Join
Phagwah is the most tourist-friendly festival in Guyana. Wear white clothes you do not mind ruining and join any street celebration. Major hotspots include the National Park in Georgetown and communities along the East Coast. Keep electronics in waterproof bags. Read our full Phagwah/Holi guide for everything you need to know.
March: Eid ul-Fitr
Date: Approximately March 20, 2026 (Public Holiday)
Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Guyana's Muslim community (about 7% of the population) celebrates with morning prayers at mosques, followed by family feasts featuring dishes like sawine (a sweet vermicelli milk dessert), biryani, and grilled meats. Gifts are exchanged, and charitable giving is emphasized.
During the lead-up to Eid, look for the Ramadan Village — a community event with food stalls, cultural performances, and interfaith dialogue that has become a feature of Guyana's Diamond Jubilee calendar. For a deeper look at the traditions, see our Eid in Guyana guide.
April: Easter Kite Flying & Rupununi Rodeo
Easter Monday Kite Flying
Date: April 6, 2026 (Public Holiday)
Easter Monday in Guyana means kites. It is one of the country's most beloved traditions — families flock to the Georgetown Seawall, the National Park, and open fields across the country to fly homemade kites of every size, shape, and color. The skill lies in making your kite fly the highest and, in some cases, using "glass string" (string coated in ground glass) to cut other kites' strings in mid-air battles.
Good Friday is a solemn religious observance, but Easter Monday is pure fun. Street vendors sell fried chicken, pholourie, and snow cones. The Seawall from Camp Street to Kitty becomes one long party. For the full story, see our Easter Kite Flying guide.
Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo
Date: April 3-5, 2026
One of Guyana's most unique events, the Rupununi Rodeo takes place in Lethem, the capital of Region 9 on the Brazilian border. This three-day celebration of cowboy culture in the savannahs features bull riding, bronco busting, lasso competitions, horse races, and barrel racing — all performed by real Rupununi ranch hands, not professional rodeo athletes.
The 2026 edition, themed "Wild & Bold, Rupununi Stories Unfold," promises to be the biggest yet, with expanded vending areas, improved viewing sections, a dedicated VIP area, and a new media booth. The government has announced reduced airfares for flights to Lethem during the event, and infrastructure upgrades are underway to handle increased visitor numbers.
Getting There
Fly from Georgetown to Lethem (about 1.5 hours) or drive overland via the Linden-Lethem highway (12+ hours). Book accommodation well in advance — Lethem has limited hotel capacity and fills up completely during the Rodeo. For our complete guide, see Rupununi Rodeo Guide.
May: Indian Arrival Day & Diamond Jubilee Independence
Indian Arrival Day
Date: May 5, 2026 (Public Holiday)
This holiday commemorates the arrival of the first 396 indentured laborers from India on May 5, 1838, aboard the ship Whitby and the Hesperus. It honors the contribution of the Indo-Guyanese community to the nation's development. Celebrations include cultural performances, exhibitions at the Indian Arrival Monument at Palmyra, traditional music and dance, and community feasts. Read our full Indian Arrival Day guide.
Diamond Jubilee: 60th Independence Anniversary
Date: May 15-31, 2026 (Independence Day: May 26, Public Holiday)
This is the big one for 2026. Guyana celebrates 60 years of independence from Britain on May 26, and the government has planned a massive, multi-week celebration. The Diamond Jubilee has been framed as a "grand homecoming" for the Guyanese diaspora and a launchpad for the country's creative economy.
Events announced for the Diamond Jubilee period include:
- Independence Day parade and ceremonies — The main event on May 26 at D'Urban Park
- Guyana Carnival — A full Caribbean carnival with costumed bands, J'ouvert, and fete parties during Independence Weekend
- Cultural showcases — Film screenings, art exhibitions, music festivals, and fashion shows highlighting Guyanese talent
- Diaspora homecoming events — Networking sessions, investment forums, and reunions designed to welcome Guyanese living abroad
- Infrastructure unveilings — New bridges, roads, and public facilities being completed for the milestone
For the full schedule and Diamond Jubilee details, see our Diamond Jubilee 2026 guide.
Planning a Trip Around the Diamond Jubilee?
May 2026 will be Guyana's biggest month in decades. Hotels will be packed. Book early.
Plan Your TripMay: Eid ul-Adha
Date: Approximately May 27, 2026 (Public Holiday)
Eid ul-Adha, the "Festival of Sacrifice," is the most important feast in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. In Guyana, Muslim families gather for morning prayers, then share meals of specially prepared lamb, goat, or beef with family, neighbors, and the less fortunate. The day after Independence Day, the proximity creates an extended festive period in 2026.
August: Emancipation Day
Date: August 1, 2026 (Public Holiday)
Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire on August 1, 1834. For the Afro-Guyanese community, this is a day of deep cultural significance. Celebrations include a dawn procession to the 1763 Monument in Georgetown, African drumming and dance performances, cultural exhibitions, and community gatherings. Many attendees wear traditional African clothing in vibrant colors.
The village of Buxton, one of the first villages purchased by freed slaves, holds special events. The National Cultural Centre in Georgetown often hosts performances and lectures on African heritage.
August-September: CPL Cricket
Date: August-September 2026 (exact dates TBA)
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is the region's premier T20 cricket tournament, and the Guyana Amazon Warriors matches at Providence Stadium in Georgetown are a massive draw. CPL matches combine world-class cricket with a party atmosphere — live DJs, dance crews, food vendors, and thousands of enthusiastic fans in team colors.
Even if you are not a cricket fan, a CPL match is worth attending for the atmosphere alone. Ticket prices range from about GYD 1,000 ($5 USD) for general admission to GYD 10,000+ ($50 USD) for premium seats. For more, see our CPL Cricket in Guyana guide.
September: Amerindian Heritage Month
Date: All of September 2026
September is dedicated to celebrating the culture, traditions, and contributions of Guyana's nine Indigenous nations: Arawak, Carib, Wapishana, Akawaio, Patamona, Arekuna, Macushi, Wai-Wai, and Warao. Events run throughout the month, culminating in a grand heritage showcase at the National Park in Georgetown.
Expect traditional dances, craft exhibitions (including the famous Wai-Wai beadwork and Macushi hammocks), traditional food (cassava bread, tuma pot, parakari), archery demonstrations, and storytelling. Indigenous communities in the interior host their own celebrations, offering a more authentic experience if you can travel to the Rupununi or Northwest District. Read our Amerindian Heritage Month guide for details.
October-November: Diwali (Deepavali)
Date: November 8, 2026 (Public Holiday)
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, transforms Guyana. Homes and temples are decorated with diyas (clay oil lamps), electric lights, and rangoli (colorful floor patterns). Elaborate motorcades of floats lit with thousands of lights parade through Georgetown and communities along the East Coast Demerara.
The celebration honors the return of Lord Rama from exile and the triumph of light over darkness. Families prepare sweets like gulab jamun, barfi, and parsad. Temples hold special prayer services, and fireworks light up the night sky. The Diwali motorcade through Georgetown — with its illuminated floats depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes — is one of the most visually spectacular events in Guyana's calendar.
Tourist Tip
The Diwali motorcade typically starts in the late afternoon and runs into the evening. Position yourself along the route (usually Vlissengen Road or Main Street) for the best views. Temple visits during Diwali week are welcome — remove your shoes and dress modestly.
December: Christmas & New Year's
Date: December 25-26, 2026 (Public Holidays); January 1, 2027 (Public Holiday)
Christmas in Guyana has its own distinct flavor. The holiday season kicks off in early December with the lighting of Christmas trees and decorations across Georgetown. Guyanese Christmas food traditions include pepperpot (the national dish, eaten on Christmas morning with homemade bread), garlic pork, black cake (a rum-soaked fruitcake prepared weeks in advance), ginger beer, and sorrel drink.
Church services on Christmas Eve are well-attended, and the Stabroek Market area becomes a festive shopping hub in December. Boxing Day (December 26) is a time for family visits and socializing. New Year's Eve brings fireworks along the Seawall and parties across Georgetown. For more on the food side, see our Guyanese Cuisine Guide.
Early 2027 Preview
| Date | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2027 | New Year's Day | Public Holiday |
| Feb 23, 2027 | Mashramani / Republic Day | Public Holiday, costume parade |
| Mar (TBD) | Phagwah / Holi | Public Holiday, date depends on Hindu calendar |
| Mar (TBD) | Eid ul-Fitr | Public Holiday, depends on moon sighting |
| Apr (TBD) | Easter / Kite Flying | Good Friday & Easter Monday public holidays |
| Apr (TBD) | Rupununi Rodeo | Usually first weekend of April |
Planning Tips: Visiting Guyana During Festivals
Best Festival Months for Tourists
If you want to maximize your festival experience, the February-May 2026 window is unbeatable. You get Mashramani, Phagwah, Easter kite flying, the Rupununi Rodeo, Indian Arrival Day, and the Diamond Jubilee independence celebrations all in one stretch. The weather is also favorable — this falls within Guyana's first dry season.
Accommodation During Festivals
Georgetown hotels fill up during major events, especially Mashramani, the Diamond Jubilee, and CPL cricket. Book at least 2-4 weeks in advance for these periods. See our Georgetown Hotels guide for options at every price point.
Getting Around
Public transportation runs on reduced schedules during public holidays. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available but expect higher demand. For major events, consider arranging transportation through your hotel or a tour operator. Our transportation guide has the details.
What to Wear
- Mashramani: Wear bright colors or flag-themed clothing. Comfortable shoes for walking and standing.
- Phagwah: White clothes you do not mind getting stained. Waterproof phone case essential.
- Religious events (Diwali, Eid): Modest clothing. Remove shoes when entering temples or mosques.
- Rodeo: Casual wear, hat for sun protection, closed-toe shoes for dusty grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does Guyana have?
Guyana has approximately 13 official public holidays per year, making it one of the countries with the most public holidays in the Caribbean. These include religious holidays from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian traditions, reflecting Guyana's diverse population.
What is Mashramani and when is it celebrated?
Mashramani (often called "Mash") is Guyana's Republic Day carnival celebration held on February 23rd. It features colorful costume parades, calypso and soca competitions, steel pan performances, and street parties throughout Georgetown. The word means "celebration after hard work" in the Arawak language.
Can tourists participate in Guyana's festivals?
Absolutely. Guyana's festivals are very welcoming to visitors. Phagwah (Holi) is especially tourist-friendly — anyone can join the color-throwing celebrations. Mashramani parades are open to spectators, and many tour operators arrange festival-themed packages. Diwali celebrations at temples welcome respectful visitors.
What is the Diamond Jubilee celebration in Guyana?
The Diamond Jubilee marks Guyana's 60th anniversary of independence from Britain, celebrated on May 26, 2026. The government has planned a year-long series of events including a grand homecoming for the diaspora, carnival, cultural showcases, the Origins Festival, and major infrastructure unveilings.
When is the best time to visit Guyana for festivals?
February through May 2026 is exceptional: Mashramani (February 23), Phagwah/Holi (March 3), Easter kite flying (April 6), Rupununi Rodeo (April 3-5), and the Diamond Jubilee Independence celebrations (May 15-31). This window offers the highest density of festivals in Guyana's calendar.
Is the Rupununi Rodeo worth attending?
Yes. The Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo (April 3-5, 2026 in Lethem) is one of Guyana's most unique events — a three-day celebration of cowboy culture in the savannah featuring bull riding, lasso competitions, live music, and local food. It draws visitors from Brazil and across the Caribbean.
Do businesses close during Guyana's public holidays?
Government offices and banks close on all public holidays. Most shops and restaurants in Georgetown remain open, though hours may be reduced. Hotels, tour operators, and restaurants in tourist areas generally operate normally during festivals.
Last updated: April 2026. Dates for Islamic holidays are approximate and subject to moon sightings. Need help planning your trip around a festival? Browse our trip planning resources or contact us.