Batabano

The Rotary Club launched the first Cayman Carnival Batabano celebration in 1983. As they were brought over to the Caribbean colonies, some countries adapted the Caribbean Carnival to be their own, The turtle population has diminished significantly due to excessive hunting, but it still remains an important symbol of the Cayman Islands. == Batabano celebrations ==

Cayman Carnival Batabano celebrations take place on two separate weekends, one is a child-friendly, family-style festival, and the other is the more traditional adult-focused celebration. Adult Batabano The Adult Batabano celebrations take place in one of the first weekends in May. It features a road parade composed, for the most part, of Masquerade Bands, and exotic costumes. The celebrations start around midday, and the parade launches at 1pm from Public Beach to Harbour Drive. The parade passes a number of Batabano hot spots along its famous route. Judges are located near the Governor's house for the final judging of costumes. The bazaar is located at Cardinal Avenue and Albert Panton Street. Junior Batabano Junior Batabano was first introduced in 2002, adding a more family-friendly aspect to the celebration. By 2005, Junior Batabano had evolved from a singular program that was held before the adult parade, to an event that spans an entire day. The lyrics usually are about life or politics, feeding into the idea that Batabano celebrates social justice. Masquerade bands are extremely popular at the Batabano celebrations. Some include Carnival Nationz, and Tribal Cayman. The bands for the upcoming carnival are announced at the “All Ah We” band launch. This event is held months before the Batabano celebrations begin. Costumes Batabano is known for its extravagant costumes. The Masquerade Bands that partake in the parade use costumes to highlight their performances. At the end of both the Junior and Adult parade, the best costumes of the year are recognized and awarded. Traditional men's costumes include shorts, feathered headdresses, and jeweled neck pieces and cuffs. Women's full costume usually includes a multicolored bikini, feather headdresses, leg pieces, and extra tail feathers. The costumes are designed to reflect the flora, fauna, and marine life of the Cayman Islands. Her plan is to take the nakedness away from Batabano and focus more on the bright colors and themes of the costumes. In 1998, Dilbert was nominated for Outstanding Work in Costume Design by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, and in 2002 she won the Best National Costume in the Miss Bikini World (Malta) and Miss Tourism World (Turkey) pageants. Makeup Makeup is an important feature of the Batabano costumes. Bright colors and glitter are often used to accent the costumes, and darker makeup looks can be used to contrast the costumes. Feather eyelash extensions made to match the costumes are a popular look. Kadian Edie is a makeup artist in the Cayman Islands who specializes in tribal tattoos around the eyes, which give a dramatic element to the costumes. They are created using lace and other stencils, and an airbrush. == What to expect ==

Donna Myrie-Stephen, head of Cayman Carnival Batabano, plans to include neighboring islands in the Batabano celebrations in coming years. It is thought that this will draw an even larger international crowd, and inspire contestants to create even more extravagant costumes. If Myrie-Stephen is successful, then Cayman Batabano will grow to an even more internationally recognized celebration of local heritage and culture than it already is. == Sponsors ==

General sponsors: • Cayman Islands Department of Tourism • Ministry of District Administration, Tourism, and Transport • Cayman Airways • Cayman Compass • Netclues! Web Design and Marketing • Hot 104.1 FM • Le Classique • George Carvalho International Beauty Salon • Pinnacle Media • DHL • Picture This Studios • Explore Events! • Yabsta Digital • Rent Andy Cars • Cayman Spirits Co. • Hard Rock Café • This is Cayman • Cayman 27 ==References==