In Cayman, a long-standing tradition is spending the Easter long weekend camping on the beach.
It’s a link to the early days of living off the land and sea, and a nod to simpler times. The days are spent fishing, cooking, swimming, playing games and relaxing.
This Easter tradition is as popular today as it has always been. This year, Easter is from April 7 to 10.
Favourite spots to pitch a tent are along the Queen’s Highway in East End, in and around Rum Point and Cayman Kai, along Seven Mile Beach, Smith Cove and South Sound.
Of course, some spots are more popular than others, so expect to see campers stake their claim well before the long weekend.
Before heading out to the beach, make sure all camping supplies are at hand. Hardware stores and supermarkets have been gearing up for Easter for quite some time, stocking camping supplies, tents, barbecues and more in preparation for the four-day break.
Essential gear
Your tent will serve as your base for the weekend, so make it a good one. It needs to be big enough to sleep all camping companions comfortably and have enough ventilation while keeping out bugs – which can ruin a good night’s sleep.
Other essentials include a flashlight, fishing tackle, batteries, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, blankets and utensils for preparing food.
When cooking in the great outdoors, take special care handling and storing food. Make sure any flammable material is kept away from open flames, and that the campfire is properly extinguished, as coals can remain very hot for a long time.
Often, campers eat what they catch in the sea and enjoy with simple side dishes that are easy to prepare. And there’s nothing like the smell of a campfire to whet the appetite in the great outdoors.
Cook it on the campfire
FRIED FISH
Wash and clean fish and season with salt and pepper. Heat frying pan with cooking oil, add fish and cook until golden brown.
The fish can also be cooked in an aluminium foil packet, which helps retain the juices that will come from the fish as it cooks. Season the outside and inside of the fish with salt and pepper. Layer with sliced onions, bell peppers and tomatoes inside the fish, and sprinkle with a chopped Scotch bonnet pepper. Squeeze lime on the outside and inside of the fish. Fold the foil to make a pouch and place on the grill until cooked through.
ROASTED BREADFRUIT
A scrumptious side dish to fried fish is roasted breadfruit. To roast breadfruit, remove the stem and cut a cross into its top with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape. Place it whole on the campfire. The breadfruit should roast in the embers of the fire until it is blackened all over, so turn regularly. Remove and allow to cool, then peel the outside and serve with butter. Leftover breadfruit can be sliced and fried in oil to make breadfruit chips.
FRIED FRITTERS
Use a one- to five-pound packet of self-raising flour, add water to make into dough. Flatten dough into small rounds. Heat frying pan with cooking oil, add dough rounds and cook until golden brown. Serve on a sea grape leaf. Those who aren’t keen on roughing it outdoors often choose a staycation on-island. And Easter brunch is always a favourite, with hotels, restaurants and resorts offering a smorgasbord of options.
Other Easter weekend options
Those who aren’t keen on roughing it outdoors often choose a staycation on-island. And Easter brunch is always a favourite, with hotels, restaurants and resorts offering a smorgasbord of options.
EASTER STAYCATION
The Easter long weekend presents a prime opportunity for a relaxing staycation. Tranquil North Side is a popular destination for families, with nearby Rum Point and Kaibo offering plenty of beach time and fun in the water. East End is another great getaway, offering a chance to relax in serene surroundings that exude the timeless charm of oldtime Cayman. Or visit the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. These idyllic isles are known for their natural beauty and laid-back charm.
EASTER BRUNCH
Easter feasts are a big part of the weekend celebrations, with many restaurants and hotels pulling out all the stops for spectacular brunches. It’s a time to relax and catch up with friends and family over some bottomless bubbly and fantastic food. Among the top spots are The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa; Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort; the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa; Agua; LUCA; Blue Cilantro; Tukka and Grand Old House.
Related Videos
