Launched in 1983 by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, Cayman Carnival Batabano is the national carnival of the Cayman Islands, held annually in May at th start of the turtle nesting season.
The name "Batabano" is a salute to Cayman’s turtling heritage – the word “Batabano ” is a Caymanian term meaning the tracks left in the sand by sea turtles as they crawl ashore to nest. Finding these tracks was – and still is – a reason to celebrate, thus Cayman Carnival Batabano!
Carnival itself is a joyous, cultural celebration throughout the Caribbean – a kaleidoscope of music, dance and pageantry, rooted in the region’s diverse historical influences. Colourful costumes reflect the vibrant landscapes, heritage and culture, with the music the very rhythm of island life. Carnival in the Cayman Islands has a distinct flavour as the islands are home to a melting pot of over 100 nationalities – one country celebrating many cultures!
The energy of Cayman Carnival Batabano is electrifying, with thousands of locals and visitors flocking to the streets to enjoy the signature,spirited parade, a creative panoply of costumes, choreography and floats that becomes more elaborate each year.
It is a time to celebrate local surroundings, to showcase creativity, to voice social issues and, of course, to party and unite – and there’s nothing like a great party to bring people together!
If you decide to jump and would like to book a costume, please visit the Mas Band page at http://www.caymancarnival.com/batabanomasbands
Junior Batabano is a family-friendly carnival for Cayman's youth! Introduced in 2002 in response to the growing interest of local schools for students to be able to participate in the parade, Junior Batabano has grown from a small procession that preceded the adult parade, to its very own parade held on a separate weekend.
The continued growth of the Junior Parade prompted the committee in 2005 to launch a stand-alone street parade for Cayman’s youth, including Family Fun Day activities for the entire family. Junior Batabano offers a safe environment for students to play mas in a lively cavalcade of color, music and creativity while parading for the judges, who have the unenviable task of selecting the best Junior band. After the parade, the fun continues with face painting, food stalls, bouncy castles and other Family Fun Day activities.
TBD for 2021