Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Birthday (June 16), the day of the Mermaids Tournament, and weekends
(Friday through Sunday). For more information, contact
MDM Head-
quarters
, PO Box 878 George Town, Grand Cayman,
345-949-5587, fax
345-949-5528.
Aviation Week
Another fun time is International Aviation Week in early June. Sponsored
by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Aviation Week features
an air show over Seven Mile Beach, displays, safety seminars, and live air-
sea rescue demonstrations. Private pilots from throughout the states (in-
cluding many who might not be comfortable making the journey alone)
travel in a caravan from Key West, Florida, across Cuba's Giron Corridor
on the 330-nautical-mile route. In recent years, this “invasion” has in-
cluded over 150 private planes. For information, contact the Department
of Tourism,
800-346-3313 or 345-949-0623 or see www.caymanislands.ky.
Pirates Week
The biggest blowout of the year is Pirates Week, scheduled annually at the
end of October. It's a shiver-me-timbers time when the islands celebrate
their buccaneering history with treasure hunts, parades, and plenty of ex-
cuses to dress as pirates and wenches. The celebration begins with fire-
works and continues with parades, a 5K run, an underwater treasure
hunt, a golf tournament, triathlon, sailboard race, children's fun fair, and
much more.
Although swashbuckling may be the theme of Pirates Week, Caymanian
heritage is also emphasized during this festival. Re-enactments of an old-
time Caymanian wedding, thatch craft, and more have entertained and
educated visitors at past festivals. Local foods, such as stewed conch, fish
tea, and coconut rundown are served, and traditional quadrille dancing is
highlighted. For more information, call
345-949-5078 or 5859, fax 949-
5449, www.piratesweekfestival.com.
Cultural Events
If you're interested in learning more about the culture of the Cayman Is-
lands, an excellent time to visit is during Cayfest. Scheduled for several
weeks in July, Cayfest is a national festival of the arts of the Cayman Is-
lands. It includes theater, dance, painting, pottery, architecture, photogra-
phy, and more. Check out traditional Caymanian arts and dances, such as
the quadrille. For more information, contact the
Cayman National Cul-
tural Foundation
at
345-949-5839.
