The Batabano Wet Fete, What is it?
Wet Fete, what is it you may ask?
You would not be the only one asking as it is an event that most of the community missed the opportunity to attend Saturday afternoon 23 March at the Grand Cayman Hotel Beach Resort.
It was a perfect location for a most beautiful Caribbean day and event. For those who did attend it was well worth the effort as the host Donna Myrie, the Batabano Chairperson, explained about the entertainment that was provided for the entire family. The production's purpose was to build awareness for the up coming Cayman Carnival, Batabano parade as many of the participating groups had some of their costumes on display and this event involved the official launching of the Mas Band.
Expected
to make a sensational appearance in this year's Batabano is Grizelda
Ebanks
When asked what was her favorite part of the function, Ms Myrie could not name just one. She remembered the sweet flavour of coconut water spilling from the corners of her mouth as she savoured one of the freshly chopped coconuts provided by Crow's Restaurant. The taste of her favorite local dish, crab prepared by one of the stalls that was selling native foods, still had the magic as it brought a smile to her face.
All of this, while being surrounded by the live Caribbean music of Mas Band, the local sounds of the band Heat as they played all the current 2002 Caribbean sounds, and to her delightful surprise the Cayman School for Pan Steel Band had a very good young vocalist. Not forgetting the two Trinidad & Tobago DJs Flex and Eternal Vibes who flew in from Miami 96.1FM or the enthusiastic fish tea competition entrees.
In the eyes of the host the day was perfect, as the sun was shinning with the ocean a most beautiful colour and the temperature just right for those who partook in the water sports provided. Therefore all the ingredients were there for who wanted to enjoy.
Ms Myrie had just one wish, she had hoped that more people would have come out for Wet Fete this year but it gives her and the committee something to build on for next year. There are only a few things they would like to change next year for the whole Cayman Carnival Batabano events. First and foremost is to begin planning from 16 April, 2002, with only three days to recoup from the festive finale of this year's grand production. Second, to invite more competition between the districts, with involvement from all the local nighttime entertainment centres and a healthy budget to work with.
When asked if the she felt the event got enough coverage from the local media, Ms Myrie response was immediately, yes. It was promoted extensively through seeking sponsorship is extremely challenging.
Ms Myrie said that the committee is very grateful for Cayman Airways and Department of Tourism who have joined in their efforts to promote the carnival internationally. Along with other generous local businesses such as Fosters, Bank of Austria, SunShine Suites, and Bank of ButterField who sponsored either financially or with goods or provided some service.
Joe Tourist owner, Gilbert Nicoletta and his young assistant were serving up delicious island fruit smoothies
For the upcoming Cayman Carnival Batabano parade Ms Myrie is hopeful that everyone will be out at 2pm Saturday 13 April on West Bay road as a spectator or to join in the fun as part of a group.
A similar celebration will take place in Cayman Brac. Known as BracCanal, it takes place approximately a month on 18 of May.
Ms Myrie invited the Brac committee members to join in Cayman Carnival, Batabano wearing their BracCanal t-shirts with colorful headbands and a banner promoting that upcoming event.
About two years ago the words Cayman Carnival was added to the events to reflect a universal understanding of Batabano as a Caymanian style Mardi Gras that reflects a good time full of colourful costumes, parades with floats, street parties in which everyone is invited to dress up and participate in unity.
If you are interested in being part of the unity contact any of the following committee members: Donna Myrie 916-7140. Brent Mclean 949-9808, J. Frances 916-3500, Sally Johnson 949-9847, Sonia Kimball 914-5477, Diana Uzell 916-2474, Jim O'Neal 949-3800, Peter Burdhurst 949-7237 or Charles Greye 949-6131. For anyone that would like more information on the special events, you can visit the web site www.caymancarnival.com.