The streets of Grand Cayman will once again be flooded with colour, feathers, glitz and Caribbean music for the 2024 carnival season.
Carnival lovers from far and wide are gearing up to take part in road marches, soca parties, band launches and fundraising events as part of the annual festivities.
“We’re excited to welcome another season of Batabano under the theme ‘Dis is Cayman’,” Donna Myrie, chairperson of Cayman Batabano, told the Compass.
Batabano Carnival was launched in 1983 by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman to pay tribute to Cayman’s turtling history. Batabano, a term used locally to represent the tracks left in the sand by turtles heading to sea. The carnival festivities are usually marked at the start of the turtle nesting season.
The 21st Junior Batabano will kickstart the festivities on Grand Cayman, which will be held on Saturday, 20 April, starting at 4pm. “We’re really thrilled to have some 300 kids on the road celebrating. There’s a new route and ending venue. The route starts at South Church Street on to Seafarers Way, right to Fort Street, along Albert Panton Street, ending on Cardinall Avenue.
Cardinall Avenue will also be the venue for other activities, including a family fun day starting at 2pm, and a Teen Jam from 7pm-11pm. The day will feature local food vendors, and entertainment.
More than 10 bands and floats will be taking part in the 41st staging of the adult Cayman Batabano, including the longest-running participant, Reba Dilbert Creations, and new bands such as Pinnacle Mas and Play Mas. Myrie said international bands are also set to return.
The national carnival weekend coincides with the new Emancipation Day public holiday on Monday, 6 May, Myrie noted, with the J’ouvert road parade set for the morning of the holiday.
Whether you participate in or watch the parade, Myrie said the annual celebration is about unity.
“Batabano has truly transcended time. It’s a cultural melting pot. We’re proud of the development that it’s taken and the way that we’ve embraced all [nationalities], including India, Philippines, Latin America,” she said.
“We want to welcome the public to come out and celebrate unity, love and happiness in our islands. It’s so well-needed now, and Carnival gives us that opportunity.”
Schedule of events
Batabano Friday Night Fete ‘Outta De Blue’ or Flag Party | Friday, 3 May
9pm-2pm, Seafarers Way, George Town
Batabano kickoff event leading up to the Cayman Carnival Adult Parade.
Adult Street Parade | Saturday, 4 May
From 1pm, West Bay Road
The parade will take its traditional route – from Seven Mile Public Beach to the George Town waterfront. The parade culminates with the Batabano Food Festival/Las’ Lap Street Dance in the town centre at 6pm, along with Batabano’s traditional street dance, known as ‘Las’ Lap’, featuring multiple stages where various bands will be performing until midnight. Admission is free for these events.
J’Ouvert parade | 6 May
4am-10am | The venue will be announced at midnight for participants.
For more information, go to the Batabano website, visit www.caymancarnival.com, email [email protected], or call Donna Myrie at 949-7121 or 916-1740.
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