Photo: Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Moses Kirkconnell (right) presents his Ministry’s sponsorship check to Batabano Chairperson Donna Myrie-Stephen.

Cayman Carnival Batabano is proudly celebrating its 35th anniversary as the national carnival of the Cayman Islands (since 1983), with the ongoing sponsorship and support of the Cayman Islands Ministry of District Administration, Tourism, and Transport.

Cayman Islands Deputy Premier and Minister of District Administration, Tourism, and Transport, the Hon. Moses Kirkconnell, said: "I am very pleased that the Cayman Carnival Batabano has continued to grow over the years, adding to the appeal and magnetism of the Cayman Islands annual calendar of events. With the Batabano street parade taking place just steps away from our beautiful Seven Mile Beach, it is undoubtedly one of the most unique carnival parade routes in the world, and continues to attract Regional and International visitors and spectators to our shores. The Ministry of Tourism is proud to be a sponsor of this spectacular event and we look forward to being part of Batabano's ongoing success."

Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Chairperson of the Cayman Carnival Batabano Committee, Donna Myrie-Stephen, said: "Culture tourism is a growing trend globally, and my committee and I work tirelessly on a voluntary basis each year to help ensure that the Cayman Islands continues to offer a unique carnival experience that also pays homage by name to Cayman's turtling heritage - Batabano is the Caymanian name for turtle tracks in the sand when they go ashore to nest, which has always been cause for celebration in our community. We offer our sincerest thanks to the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Moses Kirkconnell, for his Ministry's continued support of this 35-year tradition in our islands."  
 
Cayman Carnival Batabano spans three weekends, starting in April with a traditional Jouvert parade and Junior Batabano events that include a steel pan concert and Family Fun Day activities on the day of the Junior Batabano Street parade in George Town. This year’s Junior Batabano parade saw a record-breaking 450 students participating.

The main adult Batabano events are on the first weekend in May each year, with the dates this year being from May 4-6, 2018 starting with the "Outta De Blue" concert on Friday May 4th on Harbour Drive, and the much anticipated Batabano street parade on Saturday May 5th which starts at Public Beach and ends with a Last Lap street dance on Harbour Drive and the Batabano Food Festival on Cardinal Avenue.

Additionally, some of the Batabano masquerade bands are offering boat cruises to Rum Point on Sunday May 6th for visiting and local revellers to experience "Rum Point Sunday" - a weekly tradition for local boaters year-round.
 
To learn more about Cayman Carnival Batabano visit www.caymancarnival.com, follow them on social media, call 949-7121, or email batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com.