Do you hear that music in the distance, with an infectious beat that can’t be ignored?
Your eye catches a flash of feathers and the glint of something sparkling on the horizon, then a riot of colour turns the corner and suddenly it all becomes clear: Batabano Carnival is officially on the road.
After a two-year hiatus in 2020 and 2021, due to COVID restrictions and regulations, the mas bands are gearing up to strut their stuff. On Friday and Saturday, 6 and 7 May, there will be music, dancing, food, drink and – of course – the iconic parade along West Bay Road.
Chairman and organiser Donna Myrie is thrilled to be back, stating that she couldn’t wait to see the public come out and support them at events.
“After two years, we are so happy to bring Batabano Cayman Carnival back to the people of Cayman,” Myrie said. “We are raring to go!”
‘Mind Yuh Business’
Friday, 6 May
On Friday, 6 May, soca fans will be beating a path to Sandbar in George Town, where Trinidadian soca sensation Patrice Roberts will be headlining the ‘Mind Yuh Business’ concert with Ricardo Drue. Supporting artists include DJ Eternal Vibes, Andrea Rivera and DJ Fross.
“Patrice Roberts is an award-winning artist, and one of the hottest soca performers around,” Myrie said. “It’s going to be an amazing night of music – no one should miss it.”
The gate opens at 8pm and the concert starts at 9pm. Tickets are $70 for general admission and $100 for front-stage access. They can be bought online at Eventpro.
Carnival Village/Street Parade
Saturday, 7 May
The Batabano mas bands will be taking a different route this year, ending at the Festival Green in Camana Bay, where a party will already be in progress.
For the first time, organisers are hosting the Carnival Village at Festival Green, running from noon to 11pm. Entry is only $5, and free for masqueraders. There will be over 20 food vendors, health and wellness stations, a Junior Batabano costume competition and Family Fun Day, which officially ends at 4pm before the parade revellers arrive around 5pm.
The Street Parade will be starting at 1pm on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, behind Cost-U-Less. The bands will then head north on the highway, turning towards Seven Mile Public Beach, before heading back towards George Town along the West Bay Road.
Next is a straight shot along the strip going south, until they reach Lawrence Blvd., when they’ll turn left, make their way around the main Camana Bay roundabout, and then dance over the bridge to join the festivities on Festival Green.
The green is the perfect spot for a party, and guests can cheer on their favourite bands when they hit the stage to be judged.
There is a large variety of groups signed up for the parade this year. Tribal, the 2019 Band of the Year, will be returning with a vengeance, joined by Ascendn, Party Animals, Mas Azucar, Latinos, Palm Heights, Fete for a Cause, Pirates, and legendary costume designer Reba Dilbert’s band.
Myrie, the carnival queen of Batabano when she’s not wearing many other hats, will be leading the charge with the main float, which will feature a turtle – a creature closely connected to the festival. ‘Batabano’ is a Caymanian term meaning the tracks left in the sand by sea turtles as they crawl ashore to nest.
You don’t have to be a member of a mas band in order to enjoy Batabano Carnival. Set up somewhere along the parade route and just listen for the music. You may think you’ll just be standing there, watching the pageantry, but believe us – the riddim is gonna get ya!
Traffic Advisory
Friday Night Fete in Central George Town:
Friday, 6 May, 8:00PM to Saturday, 7 May, 3:30AM:
- Motorists are advised to avoid the section of North Church Street between the Fort Street and Mary Street intersections during these times.
- There will be heavy pedestrian traffic in this area and we urge motorists to exercise extreme caution if unable to avoid the area.
- This section of the roadway will be closed to vehicular traffic from 9:00PM.
- Patrons attending various events in the George Town area are advised that parking along the roadway and/or causing any obstructions is not permitted. Police signage and cones will be in place to assist and guide the motoring public.
- Fines via tickets will be issued to any vehicle found in contravention of the Traffic Act 2021.
Adult Batabano Parade:
Saturday, 7 May, 12:00PM to 6:00PM
- Esterley Tibbetts Highway, north of Lime Tree Bay Avenue (behind Cost-U-Less), will be utilized as the starting area for the Batabano parade.
- Members of the public travelling north on Esterley Tibbetts, towards West Bay will be required to use the right lane only. Both southbound lanes will remain open.
- The parade will proceed north along Esterley Tibbetts, then turn west onto West Bay Road at the Seven Mile Beach roundabout, and proceed south along West Bay Road.
- West Bay Road will be closed between the junction of the Esterley Tibbets Highway and Fish Bowl restaurant from 12:00PM. Only local access will be granted north of Lime Tree Bay Avenue during this time.
- The parade will proceed south along West Bay Road from 1:00PM and road junctions will be closed ahead of the parade as it proceeds.
- As the procession passes closed junctions, these will be re-opened to afford motorists the use of the road to the rear of the procession.
- The procession will continue east onto Lawrence Blvd, then south onto the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, east onto Minerva Drive and end at the Camana Bay Festival Green.
Batabano survival tips
(Courtesy of caymancarnival.com)
- Wear sunblock – You’ll be scantily dressed in direct sunlight. Lather it on unless you want an aftermath of burnt skin.
- Drink water – Staying hydrated, particularly if you are imbibing alcohol, is incredibly important in order to avoid potentially serious health issues.
- Comfy shoes – Heels may look great on the red carpet, but miles of tarmac is a whole ‘nother story.
- Valuables pouch – Do you really want to walk home because you can’t find your car keys? Keep money, keys and your cellphone in a pouch that you carry – it can match your outfit, if you like.
- Sunglasses – Protect your peepers with good sunglasses. You’ll also save a fortune on Botox as you won’t be squinting for five hours.
- Eat a hearty breakfast – Get some fuel in your system early to carry you through the day.
| For up-to-date information on all events, visit the Batabano Facebook page at facebook.com/batabanocayman. Tickets for the Mind Yuh Business concert are available online at Eventpro.
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