Carnival is always a feather-filled fun weekend!
The name “Batabano” is synonymous with the Cayman Islands and the Caymanian way of life. A salute to Cayman’s turtling heritage, “Batabano” is the native name for the tracks left in the sand when seaturtles go ashore to nest, which has always been a cause for celebration in the Cayman Islands. Cayman Carnival Batabano is therefore ceremoniously held the first weekend in May as part of the celebration and awareness of the start of Turtle Nesting Season.
Established in 1983 by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, Cayman Carnival Batabano is a non-profit organisation, and is a multi-day carnival that includes a food festival, fetes, a street dance and a costume street parade. As the National Carnival of the Cayman Islands, Batabano is a major highlight on Grand Cayman’s cultural and entertainment calendar for residents and visitors who flock to the streets by the thousands!
Due to COVID-19 measures, carnival was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 and was reinstated in 2022 during May (Batabano) and August (CayMAS). Batabano 2022 took place on 7th May 2022 with a new road parade route that began behind Cost U Less and headed to the Festival Green, Camana Bay.
In 2023, Batabano will take place from May 3rd - May 6th.
Batabano
The Batabano Committee run many exciting events between in the week leading up, including the Junior Batabano Parade. Be sure to check out their website for a full calendar of events.
There are many colourful and festive mas bands that participate in Batabano including Tribal Carnival Cayman, Fresh Carnival, Renegade Mas, Party Animal, Revel Unit, Local Carnival, Kaotic, Quinntessential Movement and Mas Azucar.
Braccanal
The Braccanal parade brings together colourful costumes, soca music, enthusiastic revellers and delicious Caymanian dishes.
CayMAS
Several local Mas Bands participate, including Chicken Run, Kalabbra, Liquid Ice and Swanky International.