Every September, Guyana honors its indigenous history and culture with arts and crafts, cuisine, games, performances and much more
Roughly 10% of Guyana’s population is indigenous, like Mark Andries (pictured paddling a canoe on the Essequibo River), a member of the Macushi tribe. Communities like his bow and arrow fish; create jewelry with seeds, feathers and shells incorporating designs inspired by the environment and their stories; and cook memorable traditional indigenous cuisine like baked Tacoma worms (a delicacy), cassava bread (a staple), and pepper pot. Their sustainable lifestyles and practices help preserve Guyana’s incredible biodiversity. Every September, Guyana celebrates Indigenous Heritage Month and the cultures of the country’s nine tribes – Warraus, Arawaks, Caribs, Akawaios, Arecunas, Patamonas, Macushis, Wapisianas and Wai Wais – with indigenous arts and crafts, cuisine, games and performances. From Mabaruma in the north to Rupununi in the south, and even the temporary Heritage Village in the capital Georgetown, Guyana’s past and present converge in an experience that is one for your bucket list.
