Friday, September 16, 2011

Cayman Islands Pirate Week

By Grant Ceville


Pirates have been a real danger on the high seas for centuries. For anyone who has been affected by these real life pirates the idea of celebrating them might seem unimaginable. For many people however pirates are characters that exist only in fairytales like Peter Pan and other child hood stories and legends. It is these pirates and not the modern day criminals that are celebrated during the Pirate Week festival held in the Cayman Islands each year.

Pirate Week began more than three decades ago when the then Minister of Tourism Jim Bodden was trying to improve the islands tourism during the slower months. Since it's creation it has become the largest and most highly anticipated even across the islands. The festivities take place every year in early November. There are more than 34 events associated with the celebration that off a little something for everyone. Some of the highlights of the even include a "pirate landing" that features ship recreations on the first Saturday of the celebration. Other events include a parade, two costume contests, 5 days celebrating heritage and a song contest. The kids have not been forgotten in this event, there are 2 teen nights, and underwater treasure hunt and a kids' day to keep younger visitors involved. The event comes to a close when the Pirates are put on trial, after the verdict attendees hit the streets for dancing and a final fireworks display.

If you are thinking of attending a future Pirate Festival make your reservations early! Rental cars and hotel rooms can be hard to come by as the event time gets closer. The first weekend is generally more highly attended because that is when most of the big spectacle events take place. Most of the events are free to attend. The sporting events and some night time events carry a small cover charge but nothing out of reach for the average visitor. You will also want to consider how you will get around during the festival.

Renting a car is a good idea if you are planning to attend any of the Heritage days celebrations, these events take place 30 min away from the popular Seven Mile Beach resort area. If you are staying in the Seven Mile Beach are and only planning to attend the big weekend events it may be possible to arrange to take a taxi to the festivities. Be sure to book taxis ahead they are very though to track down during the event and after dark.

Everyone dresses up! If you are planning to attend the event don't be a party pooper. This is not an event for spectators. Everyone attending the even becomes part of the celebration. Go all out and pack a complete costume. With air port security increasing it could be tough to get your sword on the plane, don't worry there is a full supply of pirate supplies available for sale by vendors through out the event. If you just aren't the kind of person who can feel cool in a pirate suit you can go for a slightly understated look and buy an Official Pirates Week tee shirt or polo shirt the museums shop located at 10 Shedden Road.




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