The nonprofit organization, Cayman Carnival Batabano, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with the steadfast sponsorship and support of the Cayman Islands Ministry of Tourism and Ports.
"I am excited to support the 2023 Batabano festivities because not only does this year mark the significant milestone of four decades of celebration, but as we continue our work to return to pre-pandemic visitation numbers, cultural events like this can be incredibly effective in influencing where people decide to travel,” said Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism and Ports.
Chairperson of the Cayman Carnival Batabano Committee, Donna Myrie, said: "We offer our sincerest thanks to the Honorable Minister of Tourism and Ports, the Hon. Kenneth Bryan, for his Ministry's continued support of this 40-year tradition in our islands. Batabano has been a catalyst for growing Cayman’s culture and festival tourism products for decades, while also providing a welcomed economic boost during a typically slow period for the local tourism industry. The support of our Ministry of Tourism and Ports makes it all possible.”
The main adult Batabano events are on the first weekend in May each year, with the dates this year being May 5 & 6, 2023. On the Friday evening, the public is invited to Cardinal Avenue from 5-8pm for a free showcase of the parade’s international costumes as well as a meet-and-greet with the costume designers and visiting beauty queens from Honduras. This event will be followed by the "Outta De Blue" concert on Seafarer’s Way featuring Soca sensation Skinny Fabulous. The much-anticipated Batabano street parade is on Saturday May 6th which starts at Public Beach and ends with a “Last Lap” free street dance on Seafarer’s Way, along with the Batabano Food Festival on Cardinal Avenue which starts from Noon until midnight.
To learn more about Cayman Carnival Batabano visit www.caymancarnival.com, follow them on social media, call 949-7121, or email batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Minister for Tourism and Ports, the Hon. Kenneth Bryan (center) is pictured with Batabano Chairperson Donna Myrie (left) and Gary Hendricks-Dominguez, Deputy Director of International Marketing and Promotions for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, as Batabano's 40th anniversary carnival launch event in early 2023.