By Cayman Compass contributor Francesca Gardner
The Camana Bay Paseo became a festive haven of sights, scents and sounds on 6 Dec. as the annual holiday market offered gifts, seasonal crafts and the unique creative spirit of more than 20 local artisans.
A combination of tourists and residents strolled through the Town Centre and visited the various booths in search of unique holiday gifts for family and friends as they embraced the magic that has become an anticipated holiday tradition.
The air was sweet with holiday cheer, mingling with the soothing fragrances of handmade soaps, lotions and candles. Tables overflowed with locally made home décor, jewellery and handcrafted treasures,
“This is such a unique Christmas experience,” said one first-time visitor. “It’s like nothing I have ever experienced before during the holidays. Everything is so beautiful, and what a great way to support small businesses and the local community.”
Among the vendors, a steady flow of shoppers stopped by the Wood + Woven booth. Delicate embroidered hoops, woven textures and artfully crafted décor pieces created a display that felt both nostalgic and modern. The business, founded in 2021 by Nasaria Brady, began from a simple desire to learn crochet. Yet what started as a hobby evolved into a heartfelt mission. As a generational Caymanian, Brady sought to bring traditional Caymanian décor back into today’s homes.
“Our Cayman cottage hook is currently one of our best sellers,” she said, noting that each creation incorporated old island traditions woven into contemporary designs.
A few steps away was the Santosha Designs booth. Sandra Castillo, the artist behind the brand, welcomed visitors with her calm, joyful presence. Her handmade jewellery – crafted with gemstones sourced from around the world – ranged from soft pastels to bold earth tones to red, green and white for the more festive pieces. “Everything is handmade and one of a kind, including the colours and combinations,” she said, adding that she always includes the local semi-precious gemstone Caymanite her pieces.
The name Santosha comes from Sanskrit, meaning “feeling content”, a sentiment Castillo tries to reflect in every piece of her jewellery.
The Camana Bay holiday market was once again a celebration of creativity, culture and community. It delivered a warm, festive experience, showcasing talented local vendors and handcrafted treasures.
Francesca Gardner is a freelance journalist who has written for publications in the Cayman Islands since 2018.
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