More than 2,000 revellers transformed the streets of George Town and West Bay into a vibrant river of colour, glitz and Caymanian pride during the highly anticipated CayMAS Road March on 5 July, held under the theme ‘Experience the Carnival, Discover the Islands’.
With the infectious rhythms of soca music filling the air, masqueraders and onlookers celebrated under the blazing hot sun, with music, dance and unbridled energy. The street parade kicked off at 2pm on South Church Street and culminated at the entrance to Seven Mile Beach.
Along the route, vibrant trucks pumped music from booming speakers and kept masqueraders refreshed, while the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and Cayman Islands Red Cross worked tirelessly to ensure safety.
“We had an extraordinary turnout. We had 350 masqueraders, and everyone enjoyed pure vibes, non-stop dancing, amazing music. … Our masqueraders brought the energy and the love,” said Richard Jackson of Zuri Animalz Mas. “This CayMAS was truly Cayman Carnival at its best.”
Joining Zuri Animalz Mas were powerhouse bands Kalabbra Rebel Spirit, RenegadeMAS, Xodus, Fete for a Cause, Chicken Run and newcomer Play Mas, which made its debut in spectacular fashion and claimed the title of largest band on the road.
“This is the best day to be in Cayman!” shrieked one exuberant young reveller, perfectly capturing the electrifying atmosphere.
CayMAS organisers called 2025 “our most rewarding and impactful year yet”, noting their ongoing work to strengthen policies and uphold the authenticity and world-class standards of the 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,” festival director Jermaine Sharpe told the Compass.
CayMAS 2025 also attracted global attention. Travel influencer Jessica Serna, known as @mycurlyadventures on Instagram, shared her joy, jumping with Kalabbra Rebel Spirit.
“The energy was everything and, despite how nervous I was, the music just takes you away,” she said. “Everyone is so kind and supportive and I loved how our band meant we always had a group to be around! Somehow my legs continued to dance for four hours.”
Serna was among several international influencers, including Trini Jungle Juice, who travelled to Cayman to experience and share the island’s carnival magic.
Adding to the excitement, Jason ‘JG’ Gilbert, known as Skorch Bun It, delivered the ultimate road anthem with his track ‘For the Love’, earning him back-to-back wins in the Cayman Soca Monarch Competition. Gilbert’s song was produced and co-written by himself and Darryl Gervais, with background vocals by Vashti Bodden and Darryl Gervais.
“Soca Monarch 2025 was another remarkable display of local talent, shining a spotlight on the emerging Cayman sound,” said the organisers in a message to the Compass. “We extend our sincere thanks to all the participants for the effort, energy and expertise they poured into their performances.
“We also thank our panel of local judges, who had the difficult task of evaluating an incredibly talented line-up. Congratulations to our 2025 Soca Monarch, Skorch Bun It, our two-time Soca Monarch.”
Reflecting on the effort behind the scenes that inspired the song, Gilbert told the Compass, “From mas band leaders, to promoters, carnival organisers that really do it for the love, most times without profit or with losses.”
CayMAS founder Craig Frederick delivered a message on behalf of the board of directors, praising everyone involved: “This year pushed us to our limits, but we rose to the occasion. The board of directors is incredibly proud of what CayMAS Carnival 2025 has accomplished. From the road to the stage, the display of culture, talent and unity was everything we envisioned and more.”
This year’s CayMAS Carnival, which ran from 28 June to 7 July, featured high-energy fetes, elaborate shows, live performances and of course – the iconic road march.
“We thank the community for standing with us, and we’re already in motion to make 2026 even more unforgettable,” said the board of directors.
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I bet it was unforgettable (sarcasm). The smiling young women are clueless. Why no “costume” restrictions were in place? From shorts to bikinis to thongs to basically going naked? And I am not a prude.
Does Cayman have a strong Christian heritage? Who is teaching the young people what is right and what is wrong? TikTok?
By the way Cannes Film Festival dress code has been updated for the 2025 event. The changes include a ban on “nudity”.