The Mahdia Ground in Region Eight was transformed into a hub of excitement on Saturday as miners, their families and residents gathered for the annual Pork Knocker Day celebrations.
Organised by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the event forms part of Mining Week 2026 and celebrates the contributions and traditions of Guyana’s small and medium-scale miners, commonly known as pork knockers.
Policy Planning and Coordination officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Omkar Lochan, said Pork Knocker Day is held annually across Guyana’s mining districts.
“This is an annual activity. Every year we have Mining Week and we celebrate Pork Knocker Day. Pork Knocker Day is a celebration of our small-scale miners or pork knockers,” Lochan stated.
The celebrations featured a range of mining-inspired competitions, including batelling, Tacoba crossing, shovelling, jigging, Warshee racing and a nugget search.
The nugget search was among the day’s major attractions, with participants using metal detectors to locate pieces of real gold hidden around the venue.
“We would have hidden bits and nuggets, real gold, mind you, around the ground, and they have to find it,” Lochan explained.
Children and families were also included in the festivities, enjoying football, a ‘Late for School’ race, face painting and other activities. School supplies were also distributed to children as preparations continue for the reopening of schools.
Similar Pork Knocker Day activities were held concurrently in other mining districts, including Bartica and communities across the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region.
The celebration provided an opportunity for mining communities to socialise and honour the important role small-scale miners continue to play in Guyana’s development. Information booths were also on display from some mining companies, Guyana Responsible Parenthood Associatgion (GRPA) and the Mahdia Health centre.