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Thinking about a Caribbean getaway. With 3 major events coming up this month, The Cayman Islands is the place to be for Caribbean Events in May 2023. This month The Cayman Islands is all set to host Cayman Carnival Batabano, Braccanal Carnival and Taste of Cayman.
Cayman Carnivals
The Caribbean is not only known for its sandy beaches and beautiful weather but also the many Carnivals held throughout the year. The Cayman Islands are no different. In fact the Cayman Islands has not one, not two, but three Carnivals this year. These are:
- Cayman Carnival Batabano – held from May 05 – 06, 2023 on Grand Cayman
- Braccanal Carnival – This is held from May 11- 15, 2023 on Cayman Brac
- CayMas Carnival. This will be held from June 28 – 3 July 3, 2023 on Grand Cayman
Cayman Carnival Batabano
The Cayman Carnival Batabano is the national carnival of the Cayman Islands and one of the main Caribbean Events in May 2023 being held in the Cayman Islands. Cayman Carnival Batabano is held annually in May at the start of the turtle nesting season. The word “Batabano” pays tribute to and celebrates the turtling heritage of Cayman Islands. It is actually a Caymanian term for the tracks left in the sand by nesting turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs.
Launched in 1983 by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, Cayman Carnival Batabano will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. It’s already off to a fantastic start with the Junior Batabano held April 22, 2023 and the exciting Batabano J’Ourvert held just 2 days ago on April 29, 2023. The Batabano will culminate this coming weekend from May 05 – 06, 2023.
The weekend lineup includes:
- May 05, 2023 – Batabano Friday Night Fete “Outta De Blue” @ Seafarer’s Way, George Town
- May 06, 2023 – Batabano’s 40th Grand Costume Parade @ West Bay Road.
- May 06, 2023 – Batabano Food Festival @ Waterfront, George Town
- May 06, 2023 – Batabano Las’ Lap Street Dance @ Waterfront, George Town
This year’s Grand Costume Parade will return to its traditional route. It will start at 1pm at the popular Seven Mile Public Beach and head along West Bay Bay Road to George Town’s historic waterfront.
After the parade, the famous Batabano Food Festival begins in the town center coupled with Batabano’s “Las’ Lap” street party until midnight. Admission is free to the Food Festival and Street Dance.
Interested in playing mas with one of the popular bands for the Grand Costume Parade? Be sure to register Register Here for your favorite Mas Bands.
Here are some available flights out of Miami for Cayman Carnival Batabano. weekend.
Braccanal Carnival
With the Cayman Carnival Batabano being held on Gran Cayman, the Braccanal Carnival is the Carnival which takes place on Cayman Brac.
Braccanal Carnival was initially founded years ago by the Rotary Club of Cayman Brac as a fundraiser and catering solely for school children parades during the day. Night festivities included lots of food, music and dancing for adults.
The event has evolved over the years and currently features adult mas bands and several fetes and parties over the weekend festivities. Be sure to check out this years Braccanal from May 11- 15, 2023.
Taste of Cayman
It’s going to be back to back excitement as you wind down from Batabano – get ready for Taste of Cayman the very next weekend!
On May 13, 2023 from 5 – 11pm be sure to head over to Festival Green, Camana Bay for the Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival.
Celebrating 35 years this year, the event promises a mouthwatering, gastronomical experience.
Come sample local and international dishes, produce and specialty drinks including cocktails, street food and gourmet dishes. It promises to be a tasty one.
About The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is an overseas British territory which comprises three major islands:
- Grand Cayman
- Cayman Brac
- Little Cayman
Grand Cayman is the largest of the three followed by Cayman Brac and then Little Cayman. Each island has its own activities and attractions and offers its own unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for great snorkeling or scuba diving sites, wonderful beaches or looking for a hiking excursion, The Cayman Islands has it all.
Getting There
Many major airlines fly to The Cayman Islands including.
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- United Airlines
- BahamasAir
It also has its very own airline, Cayman Airways which offers non-stop return flights from major US cities such as Miami, New York, Tampa and Los Angeles (LAX). Seasonal flights are also available from Denver, Colorado.
Cayman Airways is also the Official Airline for the Cayman Carnival Batabano
For the cheapest flight options be sure to check out CheapOair for the best deals
Where to Stay
There are many accommodation options in the Cayman Islands.
Whether you’re looking for a five star hotel such as Grand Cayman Marriott Resort or looking for a more cozier guest house be sure to search for the best deals on Booking.com.
More Caribbean Events in May 2023
Can’t get enough of the Caribbean? Check out our other blog posts on two other major Caribbean Events in May 2023 which are sure to be equally as exciting and fun filled. These are the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival which takes place from May 5 – 14, 2023 and the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival which will be held on May 24, 2023.
Other Caribbean Events in May 2023 which you must check out are:
- May 3, 2023 – Anguilla Culinary Experience
- May 7, 2023 – Antigua Restaurant Week
- May 9, 2023 – Antigua Bermuda Race
- May 17, 2023 – Grenada Chocolate Festival
- May 25, 2023 – Canouan Regatta
- May 27, 2023 – Antigua Sport Fishing Tournament
Looking for your favorite IC Caribbean merchandise to rep on your Caribbean visit? Be sure to check out some of our latest items below.
As you book your flights, be sure to take a virtual visit to the Caribbean as you check out our latest podcast episode below with Maria Blackman from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
