[Celebrating the Seas at Pirates Week 2018!]

[George Town, Grand Cayman, June 5, 2018 – The Pirates Week Festival Office is proud to announce the official theme of the 2018 festival as “‘Celebrating the Seas”, in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Cayman Coat of Arms, and in an effort to raise awareness on ocean conservation.

“This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Cayman Coat of Arms, which we wanted to celebrate by incorporating the various elements into our festival’s theme. Choosing “Celebrating the Seas” pays homage to both our national slogan ‘he hath founded it upon the seas’, and to our commitment to protecting our seas.” – Melanie McField, Executive Director, Pirates Week Festival.

“We will be incorporating a ‘Pirates Against Plastic’ initiative this year, and are working diligently to put structures in place that allow us to reduce the use of plastic during the festival. Collaboration has begun with a number of potential partners on the ‘Pirates Against Plastic’ project, and we are very excited for the outcomes. Ocean conservation has been a key message for many organisations this year, and we are delighted that the Pirates Week Festival can play its part in the global effort. We encourage anyone who would like to participate in this effort with us to get in touch by phone or email.” – Shayma Hamdi-Romanica, Marketing Coordinator, Tourism Attraction Board.

The pirate festivities are set to kick off in Cayman Brac from November 2nd to 4th, in Grand Cayman from November 8th to 12th, and finish in Little Cayman from November 16th – 18th, totaling 11 days of jam- packed pirate revelry, parades, parties, storytelling, food, music and so much more!

As in the past, the Heritage Committees will be hosting all aspects of their individual District Days, which will take place this year from November 2nd to 8th. The Pirates Week Office will provide sponsorship to the Committees to fund their district float parade entries, festival queen, and any promotional support needed.

“We are delighted to be able to provide financial support to each of the five districts in building their parade floats and choosing their Festival Queen. The district floats are a pivotal part of the festival each year, showcasing the best each district has to offer in Caymanian culture, history and heritage. We are excited to see what each of the districts will submit this year for both the
day and night parades.” – Melanie McField, Executive Director, The District Day schedule will be as follows:

Pirates Week Festival.

East End: Friday, November 2

West Bay: Monday, November 5

North Side:  Tuesday, November 6

Bodden Town: Wednesday, November 7

George Town: Thursday, November 8
Grand Cayman will kick off on Thursday, November 8th with Pan in de City. The popular food festival, fireworks and street dances will take place on Friday 9th. The Cardboard Boat Race, landing pageant, float parade, Culture Jam, more live entertainment and local food will happen on Saturday 10th, followed by the Children’s Fun Day at Pedro Castle on the 11th. Monday 13th (a public holiday) will showcase a combined celebration of Cayman culture in a street style family event, called Culture Shop. It will take place in the heart of downtown George Town, and will include crafts, games, music, food, an illumination night parade and, fireworks to mark the end of the festival in Grand Cayman.

“The final event schedule is still being worked on and we are happy to say that we will have new activities and performances to add to the festivities this year, as well as an exciting music line up of both local and international artists. The turtle release programme is one event that we are happy to be bringing back and ties in with our overall theme of ocean conservation this year. As the festival plans progress, we will be sure to keep everyone updated through our website and Facebook Page.” – Melanie McField, Executive Director, Pirates Week Festival.

The Pirates Week Festival is the largest annual event in the Cayman Islands, drawing over 35,000 spectators each year. During this time, the islands are transformed into a mass of colour and revelry, with more than 30 different events being hosted over three weekends, across all three islands!

This year marks the 41st Anniversary of the national festival in the Cayman Islands.

The Pirates Week Festival is administered by the Tourism Attraction Board of the Cayman Islands. Those looking to participate in the festival or become a sponsor in any way, please email
[email protected] or [email protected] .

If you would like more information about this topic, please email [email protected] .