If you've never heard of the country Guyana, here's a little background information. Guyana is a country on South American's North Atlantic coast. Its capital, which is where the majority of my family is from, is named Georgetown and it is known to the be country's largest urban center.

Guyanese culture reflects the influence of African, Indian, Amerindian, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Spanish cultures. Guyana is one of a few mainland territories of South America that is considered to be a part of the Caribbean region. Being Guyanese has really formulated who I am today and I am proud of where I come from. I can easily say the favorite parts of my heritage is the idea of the Mashramani Festival, soca music, and the closeness of my family.

1. Mashramani Festival

Mashramani often abbreviated to "Mash" no not the preteen game that predicts your future, is the annual festival that celebrates Guyana becoming a republic in 1970. The festival is usually held on February 23rd (coming up!). This day consists of a parade, musical performances from well-known Caribbean artists, spectacular costume contests, and dancing in the streets. The word "Mashramani" is derived from the Amerindian language meaning "the celebration of hard work."

The Mashramani Festival really hits home to me because it is the day my parents met for the very first time back when they were teenagers. I was able to attend one Mash day parade a few years back. It made me so happy to be able to see the actual gas station where my parents met with my own eyes, instead of picturing it whenever they told me the story. Another thing I remember about being at the festival was the weather being scorchingly hot, so I was not able to enjoy it to the fullest potential. Hopefully, one day I can go back! *crosses fingers*

2. Soca music

"Soca does give me meh powers." --Bunji Garlin

Growing up, I attended countless family parties. At Guyanese parties, one thing you will always catch us doing is dancing! Many types of music are played, including reggae, reggaeton, dancehall, 80s classics, but the main favorite is soca.

Soca is known as the soul of calypso which originated in Trinidad and Tobago. I can easily say that soca is my all time favorite genre of music. I can listen to it at any time; doing homework, cleaning my room, in the car, taking a shower, you name it. You will never catch me not blasting it through my speakers. I know all the words to many songs, how to do the corresponding dance when applicable and exactly how or when the beat is going to drop and what song is coming up next in a mix.

Some popular artists from way back when and are still listened to today are Arrow, The Mighty Sparrow, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires and Square One. I am sure many of you have heard "Hot, Hot, Hot" or "Dolla Wine" at least one time in your life. More recent artists are Machel Montano (my personal favorite), Bunji Garlin, Destra and Alison Hinds, who also is known as the Soca Queen.

Other than the Mashramani Festival held in Guyana every year, there is an annual Caribana festival held in Toronto, Canada that I have never been able to attend, but would really love to. My family that goes every year say they always have an amazing time.

Playing soca is an easy way to bring a gathering of people together to create a unity and make a party an ounce more of fun!

3. Closeness and importance of Family

If you know me personally, you really know how much my family means to me. I grew up in an extremely close-knit family. For as long as I can remember, every weekend or holiday consisted of visiting my aunts, uncles and cousins and I would not have wanted it any other way. The adults would get together to play the card game "rap and romey" and the kids would play video games in the bedroom together, watch TV, or just chat. Being close to my extended family made me the person I am today. I can say that my group of cousins are my best friends and my aunts and uncles are the greatest people I have ever had the pleasure of always being around.

Now that I am in college and I do not get to see everyone as much as I used to, seeing them on holidays and breaks is truly an amazing feeling. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for making me a family oriented person, it means more to me than words can ever describe.

Being Guyanese and following the culture is a reflection of who I am and I am proud of that. Being able to learn and see where my parents met, listening to soca, and being close with my family are big parts of my life that cannot be taken away from me, and I am truly blessed.