Carnival is always a feather-filled fun weekend!
Batabano Carnival
The name “Batabano” is synonymous with the Cayman Islands and the Caymanian way of life. A salute to Cayman’s turtling heritage, Batabano refers to the tracks left in the sand when sea turtles come ashore to nest, which has long been a reason to celebrate in the Cayman Islands.
Established in 1983 by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, Cayman Carnival Batabano is a non-profit organisation and the National Carnival of the Cayman Islands. Traditionally held in early May, it has grown into a major highlight on Grand Cayman’s cultural and entertainment calendar, featuring a vibrant mix of fetes, food festivals, street dances and a colourful costume parade.
In 2026, Batabano enters a new era as it joins forces with CayMAS to create a unified celebration known as One Cayman Carnival. This collaboration brings together Cayman’s two major carnival events into a single, larger festival designed to enhance the island’s cultural offering and visitor experience.
The 2026 road parade will take place on Saturday 23rd May along the Seven Mile Beach corridor into George Town, where thousands of revellers in elaborate costumes will take to the streets in a lively display of music, dance and Caribbean culture.
Batabano 2026 is just around the corner, so be sure to check their website for registration, costume information and event tickets.
CayMAS 2026
CayMAS is now part of the unified One Cayman Carnival celebration for 2026, joining Batabano in a shared schedule of events and a combined road parade.
Expect an explosion of Caribbean music, dancing and costumes, with steel pan bands, floats and masqueraders bringing the streets of Grand Cayman to life as part of this enhanced carnival experience.