Rebroadcast from Feb. 17. Carnival season has begun throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, and even here in the U.S. We launch our 2019 Carnival series with a spotlight on "Mash 49" – the cultural festival of Mashramani celebrated in the multi-ethnic Cooperative Republic of Guyana, South America. Now in its 49th year, Mash commemorates the nation's independence from British rule in 1966, but coincides with the day Guyana became a republic on February 23, 1970. We'll hear this year's songs by competition finalists in the Calypso, Soca, Chutney, and Pan Jazz categories. Music for the Masses invites you on an excursion of sound and rhythm. Discover the music of established and emerging artists, both signed and unsigned, on the international music scene. Expect the unexpected. You might want to pack a map and a sandwich. For the avid globe-hopper and armchair traveler alike.