There are those who object to the festival’s celebration of pirates, who, contrary to their Hollywood depiction, were an unsavoury bunch.
There are also those who object to the public consumption of alcohol, which certainly happens at the various events during the 10-day festival.
Despite the objections, Pirates Week continues to be a unique event that blends a tribute to this country’s heritage with pageantry and good fun.
It’s hard to imagine how a single festival could successfully combine the diverse elements that make up Pirates Week; people dressed up and acting like movie pirates; people in Cayman’s traditional dress; and people in Caribbean carnival costumes. There are elements of music and dance; elements of spectacle; elements of theatre; elements of sport; and elements of cuisine. Somehow, all of these elements combine to create a truly Cayman experience.
Pirates Week offers something for just about everyone, young and old alike. Tourists enjoy Pirates Week, and visiting pirates come from many places to attend the festival. Many Caymanians and expatriate residents also enjoy Pirates Week.
The festival brings people in Cayman’s various districts together with a common purpose of creating the best float. Musicians try to compose the best song and others try to create the best costume. People try to build boats out of cardboard that actually float, usually with hilarious results. There are swimming events, running events, a darts tournament and an underwater treasure hunt. There’s a fun day just for children and a disco dance just for teens.
Pirates Week is also a time to enjoy the aromas and tastes of Cayman’s cuisine, including jerk chicken and pork, conch, fried fish and many other local dishes.
The district heritage days are a time when people, including young Caymanians, can learn about the ways of their forefathers.
Most of all, Pirates Week offers a time when people can enjoy themselves.
It’s true that pirates were not nice people, but Pirates Week is not a celebration of immorality, just as the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise is not glorifying criminality. It’s really just about having some fun.
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