Revellers are gearing up for this year’s CayMAS Carnival celebrations, which will run from 28 June to 7 July, under the theme ‘Experience the Carnival, Discover the Islands’.
The highly anticipated carnival experience brings a colourful display of cultural pride and community spirit across the island, with road parades, costume band shows, a series of fetes and live entertainment events.
“CayMAS NPO is very excited to present this year’s 2025 CayMAS road parade near events in conjunction with our partners and band leaders,” Jermaine Sharpe, CayMAS festival director, told the Cayman Compass.
“This year we are working to ensure that we continue to present to the Cayman Islands the routine of what carnival is – the glitz, the glamour and costumes that are synonymous with the essence of carnival. We are working [diligently] behind the scenes and in conjunction with stakeholders to ensure that we present the best possible world-class standard of carnival that we as a country deserve,” Sharpe said.
Sharpe confirmed some seven bands, “who are all ready to present the best of what the islands have to offer”, will be participating with CayMAS this year. The bands include Kalabbra, Asylum, Animalz/Zuri, PlayMas, Foam Mas, Chicken Run and Renegade Mas.
He said each band is presenting costumes and Monday wear with some T-shirt options.
“This year we are ensuring that we maintain order on the road by limiting stormers as well as working on cooling zones for participants,” Sharpe said.
“The RCIPS will be working to ensure that only registered participants are on the road to take part so revellers will be able to fully enjoy their experience.”
Fete For A Cause ‘welcomed back’
Cayman Compass has learned that Fete for A Cause, one of the long-serving bands for Cayman carnivals, has been “welcomed back” to CayMAS after being banned from participating due to an “ongoing legal matter” between a third-party business and a former CayMAS board member, according to a statement sent to the Compass on 5 June.
The statement noted, though the nonprofit T-shirt band had “no involvement in this dispute, we were caught in the crossfire of a situation completely beyond our control”.
Fete For A Cause, which is described more as a “movement” than a band, is aimed at feting for every person affected by cancer.
“Every dollar raised, every garment worn, and every step on the road is a tribute to them,” the organisation said.
Proceeds from Fete For A Cause go to the Cayman Islands Cancer Society.
While the legal case is over, the organisation’s statement said, they “have yet to receive an official response and CayMas marketing materials”.
Schedule of events
There are lots of activities and entertainment on the 2025 agenda, including the CayMas JT Carnival, which returns for a second instalment on 28 June, along with the official CayMAS Adult Parade on 5 July and the anticipated CayMAS Monarch Finale on the same day.
Sharpe said, “CayMAS’s aim is not only to promote but ensure that carnival as a culture is infused in our people. It’s a time of celebration of love, life and unity — everyone coming together as one to celebrate all life has to offer and how even with its challenges, this life here in these islands has been great for us. We welcome everyone to our shores to partake in this celebration of life and revelries.”
He added, “What is also important is that we aim to promote and increase the tourism product when it’s our traditional slow season. So, it’s not just about the celebration, but also how can we help our business community during this time.”
For more information, visit the official CayMAS website.
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