Batabano 2002 revs up
Sheena Hurlstone displays samples of Batabano 2002 costumes.
The annual Cayman Carnival Batabano takes
place this April 11-13, 2002 and is set to be more exciting than
ever.
The Carnival, which is primarily a costume display, is an opportunity
for people from all walks of life to display their artistic talents
and imagination. The result has been an exciting display of a
variety of talent over the years. Established in 1984, this year's
Carnival is set to be bigger and better with a schedule of firsts,
including several pre-events. Among these are:
· March 23 - Wet Fete at the Grand
Caymanian, Safehaven;
· April 11 - Minister's Carnival Ball & Fete at the
Pedro St James Historic Site. The renowned, award winning 'Exodus'
Steel Orchestra from Trinidad & Tobago will provide entertainment
along with other local bands;
· April 12 - Friday Night Fete &
J'Ouvert featuring 'Square-One' from Barbados;
· April 13 - Street Parade, judging Kings & Queens,
Best Bands, Song Competition, local bands, guest band, 'Exodus'.
The heart and soul of Batabano is the Mas' (Masquerading) Bands who get the opportunity to express creativity, imagination and talent.
This year for the first time, Batabano Carnival has teamed up with the Cayman National Cultural Foundation's (CNCF) event, Cayfest, to attract a wider appeal. CNCF will be instrumental in organizing the Junior Carnival, which is being sponsored by the Bank of Butterfield.
Junior Batabano Carnival will commence at 3:30 pm next to the Wharf Restaurant at Pageant Beach. The parade will feature Cayman's finest Junior Mas Bands from local schools and youth organizations, which will compete for cash prizes and trophies. Awards will go to the best bands, Junior King and Queen, as well as Junior Spirit of Cayman Carnival Batabano. The route will follow North Church Street and into the center of George Town, where the winners will be announced. A supervised teen disco in the Elizabethan Square parking lot will follow.
Adult Batabano Carnival - will begin at 3:00 pm from the Royal Palms parking lot, parading down West Bay Road and ending up on Harbour Drive where the winners will be announced. The parade features a number of Mas' Bands depicting different aspects of our cultural, social and political life presented in the form of art and dance. This will be followed by the announcement of winners- Best Large, Medium and Small Band, Adult King and Queen, Best Individual and Adult Spirit of Cayman Carnival Batabano.
Local dishes will be available for sale throughout the night by many culinary artists from around the Island.
The Dept. of Tourism and Cayman Carnival Batabano committee will facilitate a radio-advertising campaign in South Florida on the following stations: MIXX 96.1FM; WAVS 1770AM; and WVCG 1160AM. These stations have a predominant Caribbean audience, a primary target for this event. The announcers will mention the event and lure listeners with Cayman Airways prize giveaways.
"The combined support of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, the Mas Bands, the Ministry and Dept of Tourism and its agencies and, last but not least, our major sponsors all culminate to make it a very satisfying and fulfilling experience for all concerned," says chairperson Ms. Donna Myrie. Contact committee members for further information: Ms. Myrie 949-7121; Brent McLean 949-9808; Joel Francis 914-2184 or Shelly Smith (food stalls) 814-8112; website: www.caymancarnival.com
Batabano is the word given to the tracks left by turtles when they drag themselves onto the beach to nest their eggs in the sand. As Cayman's past relied heavily on turtles, it was fitting to name the event as such to fully embrace this historical aspect.