Take a look at Cayman Islands Carnival in April/May 2017 [VIDEO]

Launched in 1983 by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman and now in its 32nd. year,Cayman Carnival Batabano – the island’s national carnival – is held annually during the first week of May – a vibrant highlight in the island’s entertainment calendar, organized by a volunteer committee chaired for past 15 years by well-known local impresario Donna Myrie-Stephen. The carnival has grown by leaps and bounds since it’s inception, and now also includes a Junior carnival.

The festival’s original name, Batabano, is a salute to Cayman’s turtling heritage – the word “Batabano ” refers to the tracks left in the sand by sea turtles as they crawl onto the beach to nest. Finding these tracks was – and still is – a reason to celebrate!

Carnival itself is joyous, cultural celebration throughout the Caribbean – a kaleidoscope of music, dance and pageantry, rooted in the region’s diverse historical influences. Colourful costumes reflect the vibrant landscapes, heritage and culture, with the music the very rhythm of island life. Carnival in the Cayman Islands has a distinct flavour as the islands are home to a melting pot of over 100 nationalities – one country celebrating many cultures!

The energy of Cayman Carnival Batabano is electrifying, with thousands of locals and visitors flocking to the streets to enjoy the signature,spirited parade, a creative panoply of costumes, choreography and floats that becomes more elaborate each year.

It is a time to celebrate local surroundings, to showcase creativity, to voice social issues and, of course, to party and unite – and there’s nothing like a great party to bring people together!

CHECK OUT THE BAND LAUNCH 2017: