A red sky at night is not only a sailor’s delight; it’s also a delight for the hundreds of people who attend the annual Cayfest event presented by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation.
This year’s event on 21 March was no different, as dozens of local artists, musicians, storytellers and performers of all kinds gathered in a thoughtfully curated space to showcase their talents so that the public could experience Caymanian culture in a myriad of ways. The resulting vibe was magical.
In his opening remarks, Cayman National Cultural Foundation chairman Stephen Price said, “Red Sky at Night is the signature closing event of Cayfest and one of our most beautiful celebrations of Caymanian culture.”
Rosie Twohey, managing director of the foundation, thanked people for attending. “If you’ve been with us this year throughout the Cayfest journey you know, this is where it comes together … where we see Cayman in full colour.”
Reflecting her words perfectly ‘Thatch Walk’ was an area that showcased some 60 local artisans – everything from handmade jewellery and fine art to clothing designs and handbags and so much more – and was full of colour and life. People meandered up and down and the red awnings with lights overhead literally made ‘Red Sky’ a visual reality.
Artist Scott Swing, one of the vendors on the Thatch Walk, shared his latest creative expression – quirky, thought-provoking and fun stickers that sometimes incorporated his artwork and graffitied signature. “I take a design and digitise it,” he said. “I’m enjoying it.”
At the Three Girls and a Kiln booth, Caymanian Alyssa Ward said she was seeing a different part of the event this year. “I’ve been with my grandma by the Caymanian Village in previous years. This year I am experiencing a different part of Red Sky.”
Another local artist, Kara Julian, whose booth ‘Fresh Catch’ showcased Cayman Catboats, said she felt the sense of gratitude for seeing the breadth of Caymanian culture on display, and would like to see more events like this one throughout the year.
Entertainment
In addition to the artisans, entertainers were plentiful. Over at the Harquail Main Stage, dance troupes dazzled audiences and fashion shows showcased local designs.
At the Caymanian Village, children ran through the local cottages and people joined Randy Chollette’s drum circle or stopped to listen to stories told by LesleyAnn Bernard or Nasaria Suckoo-Chollette.
Caymanian traditions could be seen everywhere including women weaving thatch and others ‘backing sand’, a traditional way of decorating gardens. Mixologist Maya Grant made the local ‘swanky’ drink, a Caymanian version of lemonade.
The Swanky Kitchen Band also offered a masterclass on kitchen bands. There were also improv performances in The Studio Theatre.
At Festival Stage – the centre point of the event – people congregated to enjoy food and drinks from vendors while listening to the lineup of musicians who performed throughout the evening.
Isaac Rankine, minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, spoke about how much Red Sky meant to him and how often he had been a part of it.
“This is about Cayman culture. It is about who we are, where we come from, and we are always proud to share that,” he said. “Culture isn’t just something you look at or read about; it is something we live every day – it’s how we talk, what we cook, our foods, our songs. It’s the pride we feel in being Caymanian. And tonight, we’re going to carry it forward together.”
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