Independence Day

The celebrations begin on the evening of May 25 with a flag-raising ceremony at Durban Park, a presidential address to the nation, and midnight fireworks marking the exact moment Guyana gained independence 60 years ago. Durban Park fills with thousands of Guyanese awaiting the stroke of midnight.

• Location: Durban Park, Georgetown
• Time: Evening through midnight
• Highlights: Flag-raising, presidential address, midnight fireworks

The day begins with military and police parades, followed by civic ceremonies and national awards. Cultural performances showcase all six ethnic groups — East Indian, African, Amerindian, Chinese, Portuguese, and European. The day culminates with the Grand Carnival Road Parade and evening fireworks.

• Military/police parades — disciplined forces march through Georgetown
• Cultural performances — all six ethnic groups represented
• National awards — presidential honours for distinguished citizens
• Grand Carnival Road Parade — the Guyana Carnival climax

The celebrations are spread across Georgetown's most iconic venues:

• National Park — Main hub for carnival road parade and cultural performances
• Durban Park — Independence Eve flag-raising and midnight fireworks
• National Stadium — Concerts and major performances

A new addition for the Diamond Jubilee — Lamaha Street transforms into a living historical space. One side of the street depicts pre-independence Guyana (colonial era, indentureship, enslavement, early movements), while the other side showcases post-independence achievements (Republic, economic growth, cultural milestones, oil discovery). A walk through Guyana's story in one street.

After 152 years of British colonial rule, British Guiana gained independence and became Guyana on May 26, 1966. Forbes Burnham became the country's first Prime Minister. The Golden Arrowhead flag — green for agriculture and forests, white for rivers and water, gold for mineral wealth, red for zeal and sacrifice, and black for endurance — was raised for the first time. The name "Guyana" comes from the Amerindian word meaning "Land of Many Waters."

On February 23, 1970, Guyana became a Co-operative Republic, severing its last constitutional links with the British monarchy. This date is celebrated annually as Republic Day (formerly Mashramani). The nation charted its own path, nationalising key industries including bauxite and sugar.

The Golden Jubilee in 2016 was a landmark celebration: over 30,000 people at Durban Park, 30 costume bands in the parade, and a jubilee float procession through Georgetown. The Mashramani parade was permanently moved from February 23 to May 26 to coincide with Independence Day, creating the mega-celebration format that continues today.

In November 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic state visit to Guyana — the first by an Indian PM in over 50 years. He was awarded Guyana's highest honour, the "Order of Excellence". The visit produced 10 Memoranda of Understanding across healthcare, technology, energy, and agriculture, including the deployment of India's UPI digital payment system in Guyana.