Some 200 students from government and private schools across Cayman are preparing their dance routines and putting the final fixtures on their costumes for the annual Junior Batabano street parade, slated for this Saturday, 3 May, from 2-10pm on Cardinall Avenue.
This year’s theme, ‘Island Hopping: Visit the islands through the eyes of Junior Batabano’, will showcase the cultures of the Caribbean.
“This year’s Junior Batabano Carnival reflects the vibrant spirit of exploration and unity across the Caribbean,” said Donna Myrie-Stephen, chairperson of the Cayman Carnival Batabano Committee, which organises Junior Batabano.
Historically, throughout the region, carnival is marked as a celebration of freedom, and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Heritage has confirmed that it will support Cayman Carnival Junior Batabano in conjunction with the second annual commemoration of Emancipation Day celebrations.
Since its establishment in 2002, Junior Batabano has been dedicated to preserving cultural traditions while fostering community engagement among Cayman’s youth.
Myrie-Stephen said, “This year’s route through George Town, the islands’ capital, aims to rejuvenate the town centre, bringing back life and energy to its streets. Additionally, the Family Fun Day will take place on the lawns of the old government building, creating a welcoming space for families to celebrate together. The costumes will beautifully depict various islands, further showcasing the diverse cultures that make up the Caribbean tapestry.”
This year, young revellers will be showcasing costumes in more than half a dozen mas bands, including:
- Kreyol, highlighting the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Guadeloupean Creole, the language spoken by some 430,000 native Guadeloupeans.
- ‘Hot Like Soufriere’, which highlights Montserrat, fondly known as the ‘Emerald Isle of the Caribbean’.
- ‘Lush Rainforests’ highlighting Saint Lucia, known for its magnificently green rainforests.
- ‘Laughing Waters’, featuring the exclusive beach retreat in Jamaica with rock pools, swaying palms and shallow waters.
- ‘Mi Cuba’, highlighting the third most populous country in the Caribbean.
Cayman costumes, designed by local designer Reba Dilbert, will highlight ‘Las Tortugas’.
The Family Fun Day activities kick off at 3pm on Cardinall Avenue in the heart of George Town and end at 7pm.
The parade starts at 4pm from the same location and circles around town, returning back to Cardinall Avenue, where the junior masqueraders will cross the stage and perform choreographed dances to the delight of judges, friends and family as they compete for coveted awards.
The Teen Jam will start at 7pm and end at 11pm.
For more information on these and other Batabano events, visit caymancarnival.com or email [email protected]. You can also follow Batabano on Facebook or on Instagram.
Related Videos
