Every September, Guyana honours its Indigenous history and culture with arts and craft, cuisine, games, performances, and much more
Roughly 10% of Guyana’s population is Indigenous, like Mark Andries (pictured navigating a canoe on the Essequibo River), a member of the Macushi tribe. Communities like his fish with bow and arrow; create jewellery with seeds, feathers, and shells while incorporating designs inspired by their environment and stories; and cook unforgettable traditional Indigenous cuisine like roasted Tacoma worms (a delicacy), cassava bread (a staple), and pepperpot. Their sustainable lifestyles and practices help preserve Guyana’s extraordinary 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 craft, cuisine, games, and performances. From Mabaruma in the north to the Rupununi in the south, even at the temporary Heritage Village in the capital city Georgetown, Guyana’s past and present converge in an experience that’s one for your bucket list.