From AJC.com

The Cayman Islands carnival, known as Batabano, is May 7. Delta offers nonstop flights from Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) that are just under three hours, which makes it an easy escape for this vibrant weekend in the Caribbean.

The weekend begins with Le Masque, a Masquerade-themed dinner dance and show held at the historic Pedro St. James on May 6. Guests can participate by dressing up in masques. There will also be a champagne reception, traditional islands steel pan music, a buffet of Caribbean delicacies and a silent auction.

For a less formal fete, join the street party and festival, with live performances from popular bands from all over the Caribbean.

The main event is the adult street parade May 7, which features an amalgamation of color and sound that begins at the world-famous Seven Mile Beach and concludes at Harbour Drive. Visitors can join locals and parade – or “jump” as Caymanians say – down the streets of Grand Cayman in a spectacular arrangement of neon costumes and joyful soca music. Stilt walkers, acrobats, and limbo dancers are also part of the action.

The electrifying energy of the festival continues with a street party, where festival attendees dance the night away to music from local artists and visiting bands. Visit the food festival featuring local favorites and international cuisines from more than 20 of Grand Cayman’s premier restaurants.

For a complete list of events, visit www.caymancarnival.com.

IMAGE: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism Travelers participate in the Cayman Islands carnival parade.

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