Premier mas band Swanky International is not one to do things by halves.
In fact, this year we’re gonna be totally Bedazzled, says da main man Craig Fredericks.
“We’re gonna kick off by doing something absolutely new that has not been done before. In the morning, we are going to have a brunch fete from 10.30am at Aqua Beach,” beams the Swanky head.
Around the world, there are breakfast fetes that start as early as 3am, he says, but here in Cayman things are a little different. Nonetheless, buying an exclusive armband for $25 gets you a lotta stuff.
“There’s a brunch buffet and drinks courtesy of Svedka and Caybrew,” he notes. Of course, that’s the prelude to Swanky’s sixth year in operation – the parade itself.
“We will have close to 400 people on the road, which is absolutely amazing and a record turnout. When things started the whole parade didn’t have 400 people in it!
“We will be representing out there with our theme of Bedazzle. Jumping with us we have Miss Jamaica, the last two Miss Caymans, the leader of the opposition playing the individual male costume and even Max, the son of the governor. It is definitely going to be a spectacle never before seen in Cayman,” says Craig.
And the quality of the razzle dazzle and magnificent costumes is down to designer and builder Dexter Seusahai.
“I give the service, but with the quality of the costumes he outdoes himself every year. Swanky International this year is going to be led by the Swanky Socamobile“The car has been something I wanted to do for a few years now. So after talking with my painter, Pilot, we decided that this was the year to do it! So, I contacted Wayne Kirkconnell from Automotive Art, and he was fully on-board.
“Pilot made the car look beautiful with a transforming fade paint job, and Automotive Art put the finishing touches with beautiful rims, sound system and accessories. Also, the shine of the car was brought to life by one of the best car detailing companies, Premium Touch Mobile Detailing.”” we’re assured.
Go for it
Carnival, says Craig, is the No. 1 tourism product in the Caribbean and it has some distinctive aspects which people love so much.
“It is all about colour, energy, coming out and letting loose – and having fun. You don’t have to know how to dance, have a Miss Cayman body, just get out there, enjoy it, feel a part of the costume and go for it.
“It’s even fun on the side of the road watching – you can bet there will be girls coming to wine with you anyway. Who knows, you might even be a part of it in a costume next year. We pride ourselves in promoting and expanding the international aspect.” Indeed, there are people from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Philippines, France, Ukraine, Spain, Jamaica, Cuba, Honduras and more jumping with Swanky this time around. “Our goal is to spread the Caribbean and Carnival Culture to all who are here in Cayman; it does not matter what your politics are, for one day of the year you are a carnival baby and we are all the same.”
The festivities continue into the night with Swanky International transferring the masqueraders to the Treasure Island lobby for their official after parade party.
“This is the first time we are doing something out of George Town and this free event spreads Batabano up the West Bay Road to fuel the carnival flava.
“There will be a jerk stand, a full bar, top DJs and soca energy until midnight,” Craig tells us.
Cool it bro
And if that wasn’t enough, on Sunday, 6 May at 2pm a special cool down boat starts from Save Haven to Rum Point.
“We will be just chilling, reminiscing, exchanging experiences and enjoying each other’s company. It’s a laid back, kick-back fun time on the boat for $10 with a cash bar,” Craig says.
“We wanted to give people a weekend experience and make sure that carnival happens every day.
“The future looks very bright for Batabano and we have potential to be a prime carnival in the Western Caribbean with the magic created.”
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