National Ramadan Village 2026 to open on Feb 15 with cultural focus, tourism push

The National Ramadan Village will be officially opened on Sunday, February 15, at the Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) ground on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, where an expanded experience that includes more vendors, a children’s play park and enhanced tourism offerings aimed at attracting visitors locally, internationally and members of the Guyanese Diaspora will be available.

This village is being organised by the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT), and the Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) in collaboration with the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Following the immense success of the previous two years, organisers on Wednesday said that the 2026 edition has been significantly expanded, having more than 80 vendors occupying booths expected to participate. These booths will feature a wide range of halal cuisine, both local and international, clothing, Islamic literature, accessories, gift items and educational exhibits on Islam.

Head of Dawah and Education at CIOG, Shaikh Moeen ul-Hack, said the village continues to serve as a place of unity, learning and cultural exchange during the holy month of Ramadan.

“It is a space for unity and reflection. In keeping with Guyana’s rich tradition of multi-faith participation, the National Ramadan Village, like the Christmas Village and the Diwali Mela, remains a space for both Muslims and non-Muslims. It offers a unique spiritual ambiance for families to gather, break [their] fast, pray and learn about the Islamic faith in a welcoming environment,” he said.

He noted that the event provides a unique opportunity for both Muslims and non-Muslims to experience the spirit of Ramadan, learn about fasting and Islamic values, and engage in a welcoming environment centred on empathy, self-development, and community.

It was announced by the organisers that several new attractions will be added to the village this year, including a large children’s park and the returning farmers’ market, where patrons can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farmers. Fresh cow’s milk will also be available.

The National Ramadan Village will be opened every Friday through Sunday from 16:00h to 22:00h and is expected to attract 30,000 visitors during the entire month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on February 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. The official launch on February 15 will begin at 16:00h, with entrances available via Albert Street and Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

The Guyana Tourism Authority is once again partnering with the organisers, with a renewed focus on cultural tourism and international marketing. Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh, said the agency is working with tour operators to develop and promote Ramadan-themed tour packages locally and internationally, particularly targeting the Guyanese diaspora.

He explained that the tourism component will include an Islamic Heritage Tour, visits to masjids, live cooking demonstrations by accomplished chefs, master classes on traditional sweetmeats, and interactive experiences at the GTA booth throughout the village’s operation.

The director stated, “We have started to engage the tour operators who have started to create these packages and market them internationally in the diaspora and also here locally. So, we expect a lot of people to visit the Ramadan Village and also to visit masjids and to be part of the entire month of celebration for Ramadan. The Guyana Tourism Authority will also have its own booth here. And as Niaz said, we will have some of the most accomplished chefs be a part of this programme, doing live cooking.”

Organisers have extended an open invitation to the entire public, emphasising that the National Ramadan Village remains a family-friendly, inclusive space welcoming Muslims and non-Muslims alike to experience faith, culture, and community during Ramadan.