Holidays & Observances in Guyana

Guyana is an English-speaking country in Northern South America. The population is very diverse, but it is dominated by descendants of African slaves and descendants of Indian workers brought here as cheap labor when slavery was abolished. Ethnic tension is not unusual between the two groups. Religious conflict is rare, however, even though Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam are all popular religions. Holidays for all three religious groups are celebrated openly and enthusiastically. Guyana has also been influenced by the Caribbean, and its colorful, happy celebration traditions have stemmed from that influence.