Five new national symbols were announced on Monday, comprising a national dish, drink, dance, dessert and dress.
The Ministry of Heritage, in a press release, said Cabinet had selected the symbols, a decision that “recognises the importance of national identity to the Cayman Islands and the efforts to preservation and awareness of Cayman’s cultural heritage.
“The new symbols will contribute to the preservation of Cayman’s heritage, help to unite communities and strengthen national identity.”
The five new symbols, as described in the release, are:
National Dish: Stew Turtle – a unique culinary dish that reflects the Cayman Islands rich maritime heritage;
National Drink: Swanky – made with brown sugar and Seville orange (bitter orange), which has a distinctive bitter and sour taste;
National Dance: Cayman Quadrille – characterised by six distinct figures and eight counts embodying the spirit and rhythm of Caymanians;
National Dessert: Caymanian Heavy Cake – traditionally made from cassava, yam and sweet potato; and
National Dress – which includes women’s everyday wear, men’s working-on-land wear, and the clothes of turtle rangers/seamen.
These additions join the Cayman parrot, the silver thatch palm, and the wild banana orchid, as official national symbols of the Cayman Islands.
“These symbols represent the way of life for Caymanian ancestors, how they used what they had to eat, live and celebrate,” the press release stated.
Minister of Heritage Isaac Rankine said his ministry “remains dedicated to the authentic documentation and promotion of traditional elements that define Cayman’s heritage. As these symbols take their place in our nation identity, they serve as a living testament to the vibrant and diverse history of the Cayman Islands.”
The announcement comes on the heels of “the development of a heritage campaign aimed to bring awareness and education about the new symbols as well as other aspects of Cayman’s part. It is anticipated that fostering a deeper anticipation for Caymanian heritage will bring understanding to the cultural heritage of the Cayman Islands,” the release said.
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