Cayman Islands Carnival Batabano 2008

Cayman Island Carnival Carnival takes place on the Cayman Islands the first week of May each year. Originally known as Batabano, Carnival began in 1983 on the Cayman Islands, and is celebrated on both Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. The celebration celebrates the diverse African and religious influences of the region, and includes a smorgasbord of costumes, music, dance and pageantry. A traditional boat launch kicks off the celebration, which offers both indoor and outdoor events. Expect rocking music, great energy, drama and dance, arts and crafts, fabulous native dishes, the country’s best local talent and one heck of a par-tay.

For trivia buffs, Batabano is a local term for the tracks left in the sand by turtles as they drag themselves onto beaches to nest.

Street Parade

The parade is the time for Caymans to show their stuff. This is where the hugely elaborate costume will be on show, and the music and dance will be unforgettable. Communities join together to create floats

Junior Carnival

Kiddies around the island requested to be part of the street parade, resulting in the inception of “Junior Carnival” in 2002. Junior Carnival features a stand-alone street parade for Cayman’s youth called “Junior Carnival Batabano”, which takes place the weekend before the adult parade. The objective of developing the Junior Carnival is to create a safe environment for the students to play mas, and to teach students the art of costume-making to keep tradition alive. These are the future stars of the street parade.

Costumes

Districts and corporate groups join together to compete for prizes for the elaborate costumes featured in Carnival. The costume design and choreography become more elaborate each year, giving competitors a true run for their money. Designs were traditionally inspired by area marine life, but are now often used to comment on a social issue.

2008 Schedule of Events

April 26, 2008 - Junior Batabano street Parade and Family Fun Day - Glass House Lawn
May 1, 2008 - Masquerade Fete - Pedro Castle
May 2, 2008 - Friday Night Fete - Tree House
May 3, 2008 - Cayman Carnival Batabano Adult Street Parade and Street Dance