Thousands of feathers and rhinestones and endless yards of shimmering material transformed into unforgettable costumes have all been a part of Cayman Carnival Batabano’s rich history over its 40-year existence.
This year, the organisers are celebrating the iconic festival’s ruby anniversary by honouring Cayman’s legendary costume designers, as well as encouraging local groups to revisit the roots of Batabano by submitting their own creations.
In addition, there will be a VIP contingent from Colombia, Panama, Cuba and Honduras arriving on the island to mark the occasion, including internationally-acclaimed designers, beauty queens, artists and Bader Dip, mayor of La Ceiba, Honduras.
Mas band beginnings
In 1983, the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman launched the inaugural Batabano carnival. As the name was a nod to Cayman’s turtling history (‘Batabano’ is a local term for the tracks left in the sand by sea turtles), it seemed fitting to schedule the festivities in May – the start of the turtle nesting season.
The costumes were simpler in the beginning, with many groups hand-making their own. It allowed for a lot of socialising, as often the early mas band members would come together to be creative, rather than work in solitude. This is why Donna Myrie, Batabano chairperson, has particularly encouraged participants this year to take a leaf out of the yesteryear book.
“Back in the 1980s and ‘90s, when Batabano was a fledgling carnival in the Cayman Islands to attract tourists while also providing a fun experience for locals, everyone in the community who participated got involved by developing their own themes and making their own costumes,” Myrie said. “People got together in each other’s backyards and living rooms to make costumes; colleagues spent their lunch hours making costumes in their break rooms or building company floats in their parking lots; friendships were forged, and on the day of the parade, their carnival experience was even more meaningful.”
Modern carnival
In modern times, Batabano has grown into an internationally-recognised carnival that brings out thousands to watch the glitz and glamour of the parade, as well as join in a number of connected events, such as the early morning J’ouvert party and Outta De Blue concert. There are multiple mas bands involved in the main parade such as Reba Dilbert Creations, Party Animals and Las Tortugas, with colourful floats adding even more pageantry to the proceedings.
Junior Batabano was held on the 22 April weekend, and now the adults are getting ready for a week to remember.
Event schedule
Saturday, 29 April
J’ouvert Road Parade
4-10am @ Secret location
Early birds love this event which has them up and dancing before the cock crows. The location remains a secret until midnight, when ticketholders will receive an email with instructions. Sound Revolution, DJ Fross and other guest DJs are on the roster and, of course, there is plenty of drink, food and body paint to go around.
Tickets are $100 and include drinks, breakfast, backpack, a T-shirt, mud (interesting… ), paint and the water truck on site.
Friday, 5 May
Costume preview event
5-8pm @ Cardinall Avenue
Prior to the Batabano parade on 6 May, the public is invited to a preview event of the international costumes, which will be held on Cardinall Avenue from 5-8pm. There will also be a meet-and-greet opportunity with the visiting designers, artists, beauty queens, and the mayor of La Ceiba.
No charge.
Outta De Blue
8pm-1am @ Seafarers Way
Skinny Fabulous takes to the stage on Seafarers Way for a night of cavorting to some great music. Featuring Eternal Vibes, Giselle The Wassi One and Execution Sound, this’ll be great training for anyone planning to hit the road the next day in the main parade.
Tickets are $40.
Saturday, 6 May
Food Festival
Noon-midnight @ George Town waterfront
No one can make it through carnival without some proper, rib-sticking food in their bellies. Look out for vendors set up all along the waterfront serving Caymanian, Caribbean and international cuisine.
Prices vary.
Costume Parade
1pm-until @ West Bay Road
The parade route has varied from time to time over the years, but this year it is going back to its roots, starting at Seven Mile Public Beach and ending at the waterfront in George Town. Even if you’re not dancing in costume, you can still head to the roadside, set up your mobile chair and umbrella with a cooler, and cheer on the parade as it passes by.
No charge.
Las’ Lap Street Dance
6pm-midnight @ George Town waterfront
This is where the supporters and the paraders mix to dance the rest of the night away. Expect bands on multiple stages playing a range of music genres until the bell tolls at midnight. There will be bars set up at various points in the area and that food festival won’t stop serving until the end, just in case you need some calories to keep your energy up.
No charge.
For more information on Batabano, visit www.caymancarnival.com, email [email protected], or call Donna Myrie on 916-1740.
Tickets for events are available to buy online at eventpro.ky or in person at
Le Classique.
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