Discover Guyana’s Mashramani festival with Air Transat’s non-stop flights from T.O.

Canadians have a new opportunity to dive into one of South America’s most authentic cultural celebrations thanks to Air Transat’s newly-launched nonstop flights from Toronto to Guyana, timed perfectly for Mashramani.

Held on February 23, the annual festival commemorates Guyana’s transformation into a republic in 1970 and is the country’s most-anticipated cultural event.

The event showcases the rich blend of cultures that define Guyana, coming alive through vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, pulsating music, and lively street performances, says Toronto-based Total Public Relations Inc., which has been appointed as the Guyana Tourism Authority’s agency of record in Canada.

The festival’s name is derived from an Amerindian term meaning “celebration after cooperative work,” symbolizing national unity and collective pride.

To mark the occasion, the Guyana Tourism Authority has teamed up with local tour operator Wilderness Explorers to create a seven-day Mashramani Package tailored specifically for Canadians.

The program provides guided access to Republic Day festivities while also highlighting Guyana’s cultural heritage, dramatic landscapes, and renowned natural wonders.

Running from Feb. 21-28, 2026, the journey begins in Georgetown with guided tours of historic and cultural sites, followed by participation in the Mashramani float parade alongside an expert guide.

The itinerary also includes an internal flight to Kaieteur Falls—the world’s tallest single-drop waterfall—nestled deep in the Amazon rainforest, as well as scenic road and river travel throughout the country.

Air Transat’s nonstop Toronto–Georgetown service operates from December 16, 2025, to May 29, 2026, making Guyana more accessible than ever.

“Canada is an important market for Guyana, and Mashramani is an ideal time for visitors to experience our national identity and cultural traditions,” said Mr. Kamrul Z. Baksh, director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, in a press release. “With direct service from Toronto and our partnership with Wilderness Explorers, Canadians can explore Guyana more easily while enjoying authentic cultural experiences and our extraordinary natural sites.”

The Mashramani 2026 package

The Mashramani 2026 Package includes:

• Airport transfers between Cheddi Jagan International Airport and Georgetown

• Seven nights' accommodation at the historic Cara Lodge in double or twin occupancy

• Designated guide for the Mashramani float parade

• Select meals as outlined in the itinerary

• All scheduled road and river transfers

• Internal flight to Kaieteur Falls

• Kaieteur National Park entrance fee

• Visit to the Mashramani flag-raising ceremony

The Mashramani 2026 Package is priced at USD$3,110 per person, based on double occupancy. A special lead-in rate of USD$2,755 per person is available for groups of four. For more information, visit here. 

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