The Spirit of Carnival Returns: Cayman’s Junior and Adult Batabano Set to Delight in 2025!

Cayman Carnival Batabano is fast approaching, bringing a lineup of events for all to enjoy. The streets of George Town will come alive once again with beautiful costumes, soca music, and mouth-watering food – a true cultural celebration.

Junior Batabano kicks off the celebrations with a Family Fun Day on Saturday 3 May, on the lawns of the Glass House beginning at 2pm. There will be live entertainment, food, Bubbles castle and other activities. The colourful street parade begins at 4pm. Children in colourful costumes portraying the theme “Island Hopping” will wind their way through George Town. They will then cross the stage on the Lawns and perform choreographed dances to the delight of judges, friends, and family as they compete for coveted awards. The event concludes at 6 PM, followed by the Teen Jam at 7 PM.

The adult festivities will start with J’ouvert on Emancipation Day, Monday, May 5th, 2025. J’ouvert in the Cayman Islands marks the start of the adult Carnival season, featuring revellers covered in paint, mud, or powder. It’s an energetic, early-morning celebration filled with dancing to soca music, with participants embracing a carefree, playful spirit. This event sets the tone for the Carnival, uniting people in a fun and colorful celebration of culture.

The Adult Carnival celebrations continue with the Friday Nite Fete – SunDown - on May 9. This high-energy celebration stars international soca phenomenon KES and his band, along with talented local artists. This electrifying event brings together residents and visitors for a night of music and dance beneath the stars, setting the tone for the rest of the carnival festivities.

On May 10th, 2025, the celebrations reach their peak with the Food Festival, Adult Costume Street Parade, and Las’ Lap Street Dance.

• The Food Festival: This is a must-attend street food extravaganza held annually as part of Cayman Carnival Batabano. Local food vendors offer a mouthwatering array of Caymanian, Caribbean, and international dishes, making it a food lover’s paradise. Whether you come for lunch or pair it with the parade, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!

• The Adult Street Parade: Following its traditional route, the parade features a vibrant and festive display for locals, and tourists lining the streets in anticipation. It begins at Seven Mile Beach at 1 PM and winds down at George Town’s historic waterfront. Enjoy the colourful parade of bands - Reba Dilbert Creations, Tribal Cayman, Foam, PlayMas, Animalz Mas, Walton Premier Mas, Asylum Mas, Fete for a Cause and more. A special float and Stilt walkers will be part of this exciting parade.

• Las’ Lap Street Dance: This is the high-energy after-party that caps off the vibrant Batabano Carnival parade. Known as the ultimate celebration, Las’ Lap brings together revelers from the day’s festivities for an evening of music, dancing, and nonstop fun. With live DJs spinning popular soca and Caribbean rhythms, this event keeps the carnival spirit alive well into the night. It’s the perfect finale for those who want to keep dancing and celebrate the unity, freedom, and exuberance of Caribbean culture in an unforgettable way. Admission is FREE!

A Celebration for Everyone

Whether you’re a spectator, a masquerader, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, Batabano is a celebration not to be missed. With events that cater to all ages and backgrounds, the festival remains one of the most anticipated cultural highlights on the Cayman calendar.

For more details, registration info, and costume previews, visit www.caymancarnival.com or follow us on social media @CaymanCarnivalBatabano.