Beads will be out in force at the annual Kaibo Mardi Gras shindig on Wednesday, 22 February.
The all-day party takes place from noon until midnight at the beach bar and grill and this year the theme is Wonderland.
So get that white rabbit costume sorted – or you could come as Alice, the Mad Hatter or any number of Carrollian characters. Ultimately, it matters not for the fun is the central part of the celebrations. “The 13th Annual Mardi Gras at Kaibo,” we’re told, “is about having 12 hours of fun, on your favourite getaway beach.
“Dare you fall into the rabbit hole and stimulate your senses at Mardi Gras Wonderland?? If you’re game, we’ve got plenty to keep you entertained with our invigorating selection of DJs, MCs with competitions, body painters, and anew for 2012 a food court with all your favourite island food outlets. Kaibo Mardi Gras Wonderland promises a great day out for beach and music lovers.” So there. The DJ line-up is very impressive too and gathers together the movers, shakers, spinners and joymakers of these rockin’ shores of opulent glee. Check out the likes of DJ Natural/Craig; Mix Master DJ; DJ Alexi; DJ Docta; DJ Billy Corduroy; DJ Craig & Natural; DJ TNT; DJ Odalis; DJ Von.
Classy stuff. And of course, dancing all day is going to require some refreshments – there are a few options for, how shall we put it, refuelling between tracks.
Mad Hatter’s Main Bar
This is the largest full bar at Kaibo Mardi Gras. The infamous central thatch and bamboo bar is enlarged to twice the size only for Mardi Gras. Kaibo’s centrally located fully stocked bar has plenty of space on all sides for serving ice cold beer in addition to all your other favourite drinks. Kaibo says it welcomes you to the heart of the mad hatter’s tea-party. Bar stools and fixed seating with tables are arranged around for your comfort. Sponsored by Stoli and Carib Beer.
Queen of Hearts Beach Bar
Be sure not to lose your head at the heart of the party, says Kaibo. Located on the sand dance floor of the Kaibo Mardi Gras party, the thatched cabana offers beverages to party people who don’t want to leave the beach to quench their thirst. This optimally placed bar is the only full bar on the beach, next to the action of the stage offering the best view of the live acts. Be warned: don’t offend anyone or it’ll be a case of ‘off with your head!’ Sponsored by Carib Beer and Jagermeister.
The Mojito Bar
Fresh mojtos made to order with Flor de Cana rum are the order of the day at this well-named bar. They serve mojitos here. At the bar. See? Good.
The Frozen Mudslide Tent
Frozen premium mudslides are the way to kickstart your party. Sponsored by Amarula and Stoli vodka.
The Safehaven Bar
The ferry is the first taste people get of Kaibo Mardi Gras, and the Safe Haven bar offers you ice cold Carib beer, the first taste of what’s to come while you board the next boat. The party certainly starts on the big boat – which safely carries 200 people – before revellers’ feet have even hit the sand on Kaibo’s shores.
The Jet Pack
A revolutionary new mobile beer dispensing unit, which brings draught beer to the people. From each according to their stocks of ale, to each according to his need (for ale).
The Hot Shot Girl
The hot-shot girl will be circulating the crowds, selling shots of Jägermeister throughout the day. If you need a shot just call her over, say organisers. Good advice indeed.
Eat to the beat
There’s also the small matter of solid food – usually essential. Hence the introduction of the Mardi Gras Food Fest Court.
The food court is a new addition to the party, allowing you to choose from a wide range of food vendors, with seating and sur rounding palm tree shade supplied. This is the best food court you may encounter at an event of this size. Expect the following, and more:
Karma – sliders; Tukka – conch n croc fritters, lion fish fritters, conch fritters; Spotts Bay Jerk Vendors – Jerk chicken and pork; Kaibo Beach – chicken kickers w/ famous fries and Jamaican patties. The Cayman Islands Kaibo Mardi Gras takes place every year on Kaibo Beach on the Ash Wednesday public holiday and attracts party people of all ages. Kaibo Mardi Gras Wonderland 2012 runs from noon to midnight, with a 200 passenger ferry running all day to get you to and from the beautiful North Side of the island. Caymans best DJs will play back to back for 12 hours of solid party time. Beads, body painters, dancing girls and the Island’s favourite MCs will be on the stage to entertain you with great competitions and prizes on the day.
Getting there
Mardi Gras Ferry runs 12pm -1am
leaves Safehaven:
1200, 1400, 1600, 1800, 2000, 2200
departs Kaibo:
1300, 1500, 1700,1900, 2100, 2300, and 0100am
$10 ferry round trip. Ferry is free to VIPs.
Last returning boat leaves Kaibo at 1am.
There’s also a park and ride service. Do not drink and drive, obviously.
VIP tickets cost $100 and get you into the Blue Caterpillar Club and Wonder-Bar plus, of course, those funky beads.
Entry is $5 with wrist bands in advance available at Kaibo Beach and the Cayman Free Press office on Shedden Road. Entry on the door is $10. VIP tickets can be purchased online at caymanboxoffice.com for US$125.
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