Pirates Week bursts into life in Cayman this weekend, promising to be bigger, brighter, bolder and breezier than ever before.
Although most years a crowd of about 30,000 to 35,000 turns out for the national festival, there could be even more this year.
‘My sense is that because it was cancelled last year because of Hurricane Ivan, a lot of people missed it and there seems to be a renewed interest in it now, so we could have a bigger turnout,’ said Pirates Week Executive Director Dave Martins.
This year’s event has also gone to new heights promotions wise, with Digicel onboard as the major sponsor, and with US TV channels such as BET and The Travel Channel filming it.
The Pirates Week office has received a lot of calls from overseas people and travel agents interested in the occasion.
This week’s event, which promises 11 fun-filled days, will amount to more ships for the pirates landing, a more spectacular fireworks display and more entertainment, including 12 local bands. Also featuring, from 2003 Pirates Week will be Imij and Company, from Trinidad and Tobago, who will be performing throughout the festival a range of popular and Caribbean influenced music.
Other hot spots on the agenda include the song contest, gospel concert, street parties, sporting events and district heritage days.
‘We’re very excited about our new entertainment stage, which will be on Harbour Drive before the landing,’ said Mr. Martins. ‘This is a small mobile stage and there will be a lot of stuff happening on it while people are waiting for the pirates’ landing. There will be dancers in costume and a sword fight,’ he said.
With Digicel on board the festival looks to be more festive this year, with a whole new celebratory look.
‘The fireworks show will be something really special. It will blow people away, with a special effects ending,’ said Mr. Martins.
Another important aspect of this year’s festival is the boost it is expected to give to morale for the country following last year’s hardships endured because of Hurricane Ivan.
‘We wanted to have a one night function last year after the week was cancelled and logistically it didn’t work, so now this year is an avenue to move forward and take a new step and put the bad times behind us,’ said Mr. Martins.
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