The annual Rotary Club of Grand Cayman’s Christmas tree lighting in the heart of George Town is a staple of the season, a tradition spanning 59 years.
“It is very special,” says Betty Baraud, a long-time Rotary Club member who spearheads the tree-lighting ceremony. “The entire community always looked forward to the tree lighting. It was the kickstart to the Christmas season.”
FESTIVE FELLOWSHIP
The first tree lighting was held in 1965, the same year the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman was chartered.
At the time, Cayman’s population was just less than 10,000. It brought the community together in festive fellowship – a tradition that continues to this day.
The family-friendly gathering is filled with carols, music and a visit from Jolly Old St. Nick.
The event is held each year on the first Monday in December at Heroes Square. On the Saturday prior, Rotary members gather to decorate the tree.
“We all go out and have great fellowship and fun decorating the tree,” says Betty, who has been organising the ceremony for the past 24 years.
The service club enlists the help of Caribbean Utilities Company to put up the lights on the towering tree, which stands at more than 20 feet.
“This is something they do for free every year,” says Betty.
This year’s event, held 2 Dec., featured Christmas carols by local school children, steel pan music, singing and instrumentals. Governor Jane Owen lit the tree, accompanied by Rotary president Christian Victory.
This article originally appeared in the Christmas Wishes 2024 newspaper supplement.
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