10th annual Coco Fest is celebrated

Having grown and prospered over the years to become an impressive celebration of the humble coconut, Coco Fest is a fantastic showcase for Caymanian culture and heritage, and the tenth annual festival took place on Saturday 22nd February at the iconic location of Pedro St James.

Lots of delicious, local, coconut-inspired cooked food was on hand to fill hungry stomachs, along with coconut-inspired drinks and cocktails. Event-goers were also able to purchase some delicious coconut candies and purchase crafts and beauty products made from this ubiquitous nut.

There were also tons of activities for kiddies, as well as excellent entertainment for the whole family, including sessions by Pan N’ Riddim, Cayman Cowboy, and Dan Ebanks Radiance Dance Studio.

The award-winning documentary, Bright Spot, was also played over four screenings throughout the day in the Pedro St. James theatre.

First taking place in 2016, Coco Fest was created to celebrate the Cayman coconut and to preserve its ties to Caymanian culture and heritage. The festival also highlights local cottage industry businesses and is reminiscent of a time when the coconut industry was vital in Cayman.

Coco Fest also supports the Shop Local culture by creating a space for small businesses to showcase and sell their artwork, traditional foods and products made from coconut oil or some part of the coconut plant. As a case in point, cultural demonstrations on the uses of coconut throughout Cayman’s history   were   held   on-site   by   local   artisans.

Patrick Thompson, Director, CINAA, said Coco Fest was an incredibly significant festival for the Cayman Islands, as it celebrated both Cayman’s rich cultural heritage and the abundance of natural resources the islands offer.

“It’s a time when locals and visitors come together to honour the coconut – a symbol of sustainability, tradition, and community spirit,” he stated. “The festival not only showcases the versatility of the coconut, but also highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, preserving our traditions, and sharing unique experiences that connect us all.”

Candace Ransome Grant, Operations Manager, Pedro St. James, advised that she could proudly say that Coco Fest played an essential role in showcasing the cultural vibrancy of the Cayman Islands.

“It is a celebration that brings together our community while offering an opportunity to experience the island’s rich history and resources in a fun, family-friendly environment,” she said. “This year, as we celebrate our 10th anniversary of the event, Coco Fest has grown to become a beloved tradition. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their continued support and our sponsors for helping to make this event possible. Coco Fest emphasises the importance of local traditions and the sustainability of our environment, and we are excited to continue growing this celebration.”

The organisers wish to thank their sponsors. The main sponsors were the Ministry of Tourism & Ports, the Ministry of Youth Sports & Heritage, Pepsi (CEL Distributors), and the Cayman Islands National Attractions Authority, while other sponsors were Custom Graphics, Crown Event Rentals, Foster’s, Cayman Airways, and Vigoro Nursery.

Profits from the event will be used for the continued beautification and maintenance of the Pedro St. James National Historic Site.