Emancipation Day Public Holiday & Celebrations
A public holiday in recognition of Cayman’s unique history with emancipation, that has been newly reinstated as of May 2024.
Emancipation Day Proclamtion
This Monday 5th May, the Cayman Islands will commemorate Emancipation Day with a historical reenactment marking 190 years since slavery was abolished in the territory.
Actors from the Cayman Drama Society at Prospect Playhouse will bring history to life at the historic fort in George Town, where Captain Anthony Pack of the British West Indian Regiment first read the Emancipation Proclamation on 3 May 1834, declaring all slaves in Cayman free.
The reenacted readings will take place on the hour, every hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the site located across from Elmslie Memorial Church in downtown George Town
Schedule of Other Events
In honour of Emancipation Day 2025, the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Heritage has shared the below schedule of events:
This year’s theme, “Unity: Strengthening Our Legacy,” marks the second official commemoration of Emancipation Day since its reinstatement by Cabinet. Emancipation Day 2025 focuses on unity, encouraging everyone to reflect on our shared history, celebrate the progress we have made as a community, and continue building toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
This year’s events will take place from Friday, 2 May – Sunday, 11 May 2025 and will kick off in Grand Cayman and conclude in Cayman Brac.
Junior Batabano - 3rd May
Historically, throughout the region carnival is marked as a celebration of freedom and as such the Ministry is pleased to support Cayman Carnival Junior Batabano, which takes place on Saturday, 3 May from 3-7PM on Cardinal Avenue.
Opening Church Service at Webster’s Church -4th May
Sunday, 4 May for the Opening Church Service 11:00 AM at Webster’s Church, Bodden Town.
Emancipation Day Commemoration in Grand Cayman (Official Public Holiday) - 5th May in George Town
Monday, 5 May 2025 from 2-8pm is the Emancipation Day Commemoration event where the Ministry will officially open the Emancipation Centre, which will be located in the former Pirates Week office. The opening of the Centre will be followed by commemorative activities such as Catboat rides, Maypole dancing, artisan corner, traditional games, heritage displays, food sales and fireworks.
Speaker Series x The Link Up Podcast -8th May
The Ministry has partnered with The Link Up Podcast to present a speaker series to dissect Emancipation in the Caymanian context. The Speaker Series will take place on Thursday, 8 May at 6pm at the Harquail Studio Theatre.
Cayman Brac Emancipation Day Events - 11th May
Cayman Brac’s Commemoration event begins on Saturday, 10 May at Watering Place Gardens from 2-8pm. A Closing Church Service will be held on Sunday 11, May at Bethel Baptist Church starting at 11am.
Follow @mysch_cayman on Instagram and the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Heritage on Facebook for more Emancipation Day updates.
Additional Information
Cayman Islands’ Emancipation HistoryThe Cayman Islands was one of the first Caribbean territories to be emancipated; unlike other jurisdictions, Caymanians received immediate and unconditional freedom and were not subject to an Apprenticeship system. The abolition of slavery was a pivotal moment that has shaped the inclusive and compassionate society cherished today.