Dress For Culture Day, the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s (CNCF) annual ‘dress up, dress down’ fundraiser is coming up on Friday, 23 February, and organisers are inviting schools, businesses and individuals across the Cayman Islands to get creative and display their homeland pride and cultural attire on that day.

CNCF is asking for a donation of $5 per adult and $3 per student from those who choose to participate in the fundraiser. Monies raised go toward CNCF youth programmes such as Young Image Makers, Young at Arts Theatre Intensive and the CNCF Summer Arts Camp. Past Dress For Culture Day participants include Cayman Airways Ltd, the Philippine Tennis Club, DART and RBC.

“Over 100 nationalities live harmoniously in our three small islands, skilfully intermingling their cultures while maintaining the uniqueness and traditions of each individual country represented. Dress For Culture Day is one of the ways that CNCF pays tribute to this diversity,” said CNCF Programmes Manager, Patrice Beersingh.

The CNCF will also be running a photo competition on its Facebook page (@caymanculture) from Monday, 5 March to Thursday, 29 March. Anyone interested in entering the contest should submit photos of their Dress for Culture Day attire to CNCF before Monday, 5 March. The photos will be posted to CNCF’s official Facebook page for voting in three categories — Best School, Best Organisation and Best Student/Individual. The photo in each category that receives the most reactions (votes) by midnight on 29 March wins and winners will be presented with their prizes during the week of 3 April.

The winner for Best School will be awarded a gift certificate donated by Office Supply; the Best Organisation will walk away with a prize pack courtesy of Tortuga Rum Company and the Best Student/Individual will win a Camana Bay gift card.

Ms. Beersingh is reminding members of the public that they can organise their own Dress For Culture Day any time during the year, if the designated day is not convenient.

“We believe cultural diversity can be appreciated at any time. Dress for Culture is a way to connect with one another and celebrate our uniqueness, so we encourage it year long,” she said. “CNCF also welcomes donations throughout the year and thanks the public for its ongoing support of our youth initiatives.”

For more information about Dress for Culture or Cayfest, email [email protected], call 949.5477 or check out the CNCF’s official Facebook page @caymanculture.