Rupununi Rodeo gets cross-border participation, new history booth – Min. Rodrigues

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, said this year’s Rupununi Rodeo will feature dozens of vendors, both local and international, with a strong presence expected from Brazil.

This year, the event is expected to see its largest turnout yet as preparations ramp up for the event slated for April 3 to 5.

According to the minister, many of the overseas participants are expected from Brazil, further strengthening cross-border cultural and economic ties, while several government ministries will also be participating this year for the flagship event.

Rodrigues noted that a new feature, a dedicated history booth will offer visitors deeper insight into the origins of rodeo in Guyana. The exhibit will highlight the roots of ranching culture in the Rupununi, its evolution over time, and how it developed into the modern-day rodeo.

“There is a history booth there that will teach all of the visitors about the history of rodeo, the origin of ranching culture in Guyana and evolution of ranching culture and how we ended up with rodeo as it is today,” the minister said.

She emphasised that Guyana’s rodeo stands out globally for its authenticity.

“Rodeo in Guyana is one of the only authentic rodeos in the world because the animals are not trained, groomed, they are wild animals,” the minister said.

She said this is preserving the traditional practices of ranching life in the region.

The minister also said that a significant influx of visitors is anticipated, with the event expected to provide a major economic boost to Region Nine through tourism spending and business opportunities for local vendors.