Cayman Islands / Special Interests / Carnivals & Festivals

By Tim Ecott

Cayman carnivals are not the large-scale community events that are more common in the Bahamas or Jamaica, perhaps due to the slightly stern Anglican heritage of the islands. One of the other limiting factors is that Cayman does not have a strong tradition of steel bands. A commercial ‘Mardi Gras’ is held at Kaibo with ferry access from Safehaven or by shuttle bus from Cayman Kai resort. This giant beach party is usually held on Ash Wednesday

Early June sees the Caribbean’s largest ocean swimming event the Annual Flowers One Mile Sea Swim which follows a course parallel to Seven Mile Beach. All proceeds go to charity. www.flowersseaswim.com

Batabano is an annual Caribbean parade on Grand Cayman organised by the Rotary Club complete with steel bands. It usually happens during the first weekend of May and there is a junior (childrens) parade the following week.

Pirate’s Week is another national festival in Cayman and allows for a number of themed ‘pirate’ activities and heritage events celebrating local history and culture. Originally planned as a fillip for businesses during the tourist low-season it has developed into a festival in its own rite. www.piratesweekfestival.com

Cayfest is an annual celebration of the arts in Cayman (around mid-April) and features local musicians, arts competitions and occasional dramatic presentations.