| Guyana is a nation state located on the mainland | | | | traditional wedding in Guyana will usually be done in |
| of South America. English is the official language. In | | | | a church. Alternatively, it can also be done at |
| addition, Amerindian languages like Arawak, | | | | home. A home marriage ceremony is usually done |
| Macushi, Akawaio and Wai-Wai are spoken. A | | | | by Guyanas who live far or outside Guyana in |
| small minority speaks Guyanese Creole, which is | | | | order to give them the freedom to enjoy an |
| English with African-Indian dialects and syntax. | | | | authentic Guyana environment. A backyard will |
| There is no standardized grammar in Guyana. In | | | | usually do it. |
| Guyana wedding celebrations, the African heritage | | | | After meals, guests are invited to participate in |
| can be seen. This is especially the case during the | | | | Guyana dances. Guyana music has maintained |
| Black History Month and the anniversary of | | | | traditional elements from Africa, India and Europe |
| Emancipation. However, this seemingly rich cultural | | | | and this mix of native elements has become |
| heritage has a range of misconceptions and a | | | | important in influencing Caribbean, Brazilian and |
| degree of superficiality. | | | | American music. Just like in Toronto, popular |
| Their significance from an African setting has a | | | | musicals will usually be played on wedding |
| much wider meaning since these are seen as | | | | ceremonies while the Guyana couple dances. |
| artistic performances or as cultural shows that | | | | However, recently many Guyana weddings have |
| offer theatrical performances, with a variety of | | | | hired live bands to play traditional songs. These |
| dance, music and drama. Thus, these and other | | | | bands use traditional woodwinds, prominent horns |
| celebrations are seen as artistic exhibitions that | | | | and other instruments that have been replaced by |
| are never taken seriously unlike Toronto | | | | stringed instruments. |
| weddings. They do not cover the ways of | | | | Many bands in Guyana are talented enough to |
| people's lives in their clothing, agriculture or | | | | entertain the audience with authentic Guyana |
| manners. Cultural traditions have faded drastically | | | | traditional music. One of the most popular music in |
| and many people are now unaware of the | | | | Guyana is Calypso. This type of music is played in |
| symbolism where these are displayed. | | | | a satirical lyrically oriented style in wedding |
| Just like nuptials in Toronto, cuisines are a | | | | celebrations. It will usually be accompanied by |
| necessity. It is common to have Guyana cuisines | | | | traditional musical instruments like sitar, |
| in the weddings. One of the Guyana delicacies is | | | | harmonium, dholak, tabla, dhantal and tassa drums. |
| the pepper pot. The dish has been around for | | | | Most of this music can also be based from Hindu |
| generations and many are fond of it. It is | | | | songs called filmi or bhajans. One of the traditions |
| therefore no surprise that it forms part of the | | | | that have remained is called tan singing, which is a |
| Guyana wedding traditions. The dish is served with | | | | unique singing style found among native Guyanese |
| crispy cassava bread. Duck curry is another food | | | | of the Indian community. Evidently, Guyanese |
| common tradition in Guyana weddings. In addition, | | | | wedding traditions have lost much of their |
| one may find fried rice, puri and chowmein being | | | | authenticity, but they continue to be unique |
| served at the events. Just like in Toronto, a | | | | celebrations in our current world. |