Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
20
M
AY
Annual B atabano C arnival.
This M ardi G ras-like ev ent in
George Town features popular carnival music and live soca (a type
of calypso music with elements of soul, often with lyrics on topical
or humorous subjects) and calypso bands. The event is enhanced
by concession stands with Caymanian and Caribbean cuisine and
delicacies. Call
&
345/916-1740
or visit www .caymancarnival.
com for more information.
J
UNE
Cayman I slands I nternational Aviation Week.
This annual air
show, off G rand Cayman, includes aerial feats, displays, safety
seminars, and a “fly-in” to Cayman Brac. It's sponsored by Cayman
Caravan (
&
843/342-4439;
www.cayman-caravan.com) in H il-
ton Head, South Carolina. Third week of June.
Queen's Birthday.
To honor the B ritish heritage of the Cayman
Islands, the Q ueen's bir thday is celebrated ev ery y ear in G eorge
Town on Grand Cayman. The streets of the capital ar e filled with
a full military dress parade, complete with a 21-gun salute.You can
attend an open house and garden reception at Government House.
Dates vary, and the event is not always on the Queen's actual birth-
day. Contact the Cayman I slands Tourism Association at
&
345/
949-8522
or visit www.cita.ky for dates and details.
J
ULY
Taste of Cayman.
This event, taking place on G rand Cayman, is
the “ eatfest” of the islands, sho wcasing a sampling of differ ent
cuisines from more than 40 restaurants. Live entertainment, games
for kids, and tasty cooking competitions ar e also par t of the fun.
Contact the Cayman Islands Tourism Association at
&
345/949-
8522;
www.cita.ky. First weekend in July.
N
OVEMBER
Cayman Islands Pirates Week.
This is a national festiv al in which
cutlass-bearing pirates and sassy w enches storm G eorge Town, cap-
ture the go vernor, thr ong the str eets, and stage a costume parade.
The celebration, which is held thr oughout the Caymans, pays trib-
ute to the nation's past and its cultural heritage. F or the exact dates,
contact the
Pirates Week Festival A dministration
(
&
345/949-
5859;
www.piratesweekfestival.com). Early November.
CITA Wet Fest.
This is Grand Cayman's annual festival of water-
sports, including snorkeling, parasailing, and kayaking. Kiosks sell
island food, liv e bands enter tain, and WaveRunner rides ar e
offered. Contact the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA)
at
&
345/949-5859
or visit www.cita.ky for more details and the
exact date. One day during the second w eek of November.
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