The unique charms of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are ideally set for some special Pirates Week action.
Little Cayman is a delightful place at any time of the year but when they get their Pirates Week juices flowing over there it kicks things up another happy, family-friendly notch. This year, Little Cayman Pirates Week takes place on 4-5 November and there is a multitude of great things to do on this perfect Caribbean paradise.
“It is great fun,” said Pat Bazell-Taylor of Pirates Week. “Every single person, mothers, brothers, fathers, sisters, grandparents – they are all there. The atmosphere is just wonderful and exciting.”
There truly is a family feel, she added.
“The floats are more like Grand Cayman used to be years ago – made by the people. Lots and lots of soul. Coconut limbs, bamboo that washes up – it’s not spending thousands of dollars on a float, they make it.” It all kicks off on Friday, 4 November at the Hungry Iguana with a domino tournament, the first prize being $500, second prize $250 and third prize – not to be sniffed at – two sets of dinner for two at Little Cayman Beach Resort.
“The tournament is held every year,” said Bernie Bush of the committee. “The secret is to have a good partner! It is a renowned tournament.”
Go and relax
Mr. Bush added that Cayman Airways is about to announce its specials both for Little Cayman and Cayman Brac Pirates Week.
“Once the pirates stuff is done you can go over and relax; it is so clean and wonderful. You can party and still feel relaxed on Little Cayman. It is perfect.” That parade begins at 3pm on Saturday, 5 November, at Head O’Bay and this year’s theme is marine life, he said.
“I am sure they’re going to come as all the different marine animals. The costumes are good, all pirates and this year no doubt balanced also with marine life, probably a lot of turtles.” There are first, second, third and kids’ prizes for best floats plus those for best dressed pirate, wench and male and female child pirates.
At 8pm the fireworks kick off a dance at Hungry Iguana. C-Level Band will take the stage and the traditional spot prizes will be handed out for best dancer and many more surprises.
“Don’t miss the fireworks at 8pm,” said Ms Bazell-Taylor.
“Because they are over the ocean and it is dark they are wonderful; it’s not a huge, expensive display but the effect of it in that blackness is just great. They look that much brighter.” With food on sale from 3pm onwards, Little Cayman is well-served for sustenance as well as entertainment, she concluded.
“What a brilliant place to go with your family; there is no crime, everything is on an honour system in the hotels and shops – an unbelievable place. They are big into green issues too which is great.”
Back in Brac
Cayman Brac Heritage Days take place from Thursday, 24 November, through Sunday, 27 November, with a multitude of events which are sure to delight all ages.
“This is the most inexpensive weekend you can have with the condos, hotels and national carrier putting on unbelievable specials,” Mr. Bush said. “It is so much fun; people are happy to see you and know how to welcome you. The recession is on but the committee of the Brac is very proactive in pushing things forward as a community as well as the assistance from Saxon MG, the presenting sponsor, which is involved in all the district days and the same goes for the Department of Tourism.”
Things begin at 6pm with the Pirates Week Courtyard Kick-Off BBQ at the Alexander Hotel, which is sure to be as popular as it always is. La Esperanza takes up the reins from 9pm to 2am with a kick-off dance at La Esperanza.
The kids get a look-in at 1pm with the Junior Scavenger Hunt, then there’s the famous airport welcome reception between 6pm and 7pm, followed by the pirates welcome party – keep your wits about you and look out for flying cutlasses, me hearties!
Heritage Day
Of course, one of the major parts of the weekend is Heritage Day, held as ever at the Cayman Brac Heritage House, this year between 9am and 1pm.
There will be many stalls of different arts and crafts, music, games, food and activities for the adults and kids to rival if not surpass anything on Grand Cayman; people also bring family heirlooms and antiques to show the history of the families and the places that made the Cayman Islands such a wonderful place.
A Happy Hour takes place at Alexander Hotel from 2pm to 4pm before the parade winds its merry way from there to Scotts Dock for the fireworks and then the send-off dance.
The family fun dominoes tournament takes place at 1pm at Brac Reef Beach Resort – be sure to register from 11am – and then there are afternoon activities for the kids including Treasure Hunt and Rock Painting.
“Last year was amazing,” Mr. Bush said. “It is one of the best places to go to get away from everything, from the hustle and the bustle. It’s so lovely and relaxing.”
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