Those of us who grew up in Cayman will have lost count of the many Pirates Weeks we’ve attended.
There were the heady days of the late Mike Lockwood, a strong pirate captain if ever there was one, and when Queen Anne’s Revenge sailed the seven seas. With the islands far less developed than they are now, Pirates Week was a particularly big deal – a chance to dress up and be entertained by buccaneer spectacles in George Town, and extraordinary firework displays. Even Governor Thomas Russell was willing to join in the action in person, rather than have an actor play his part.
Now, even though we live in a world of mobile devices, virtual reality games, and a host of other modern inventions to keep us occupied, many long for a taste of the good old days. That’s what Pirates Week and Pirates Fest bring. The heritage days celebrate the cultural roots of each district with games, music and the traditional dishes of yesteryear, and the pageantry and fun of signature events like the pirates landing and float parade take us back to when we were kids.
How many times do we say that it’s a shame we only connect with old friends at weddings and funerals? That we may only run into people we know at the supermarket? When you walk through George Town at the height of the Pirates Week celebrations, it can sometimes take you 30 minutes to advance 10 feet because you are constantly stopping and catching up with familiar faces. That’s the real magic of the festival – reconnecting with other human beings in person, rather than on a screen.
More than ever, it is important to get out and socialise with others. COVID made hermits of so many, but now we have the chance to be out again, we should make the most of it.
So, grab your tricorn hat, adjust your sword and polish your boots. The pirates are coming, and we don’t want to be late to the party.
For a full schedule of events, visit the Pirates Festival website.
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