“Setting Sail Through Time” – A Celebration of Caymanian Culture and Heritage

The countdown to the highly anticipated Pirates Week 2024 has officially begun, with festivities set to launch on Friday 8 November.

Under the nostalgic theme of “Setting Sail Through Time,” this year’s festival aims to honour the rich maritime heritage and vibrant culture that define the Cayman Islands. With an exciting lineup of engaging activities, Pirates Week will celebrate our history while showcasing the strong community spirit and resilience of our people.

“Pirates Week, originally known as Pirate Week, was established in 1977 to attract tourists to our shores during a time when the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry was striving to keep pace with neighbouring Caribbean nations,” remarked Hon. Dwayne Seymour, Minister of Culture, during a live press conference on October 16. “From those humble beginnings and optimistic aspirations, the islands have embarked on a remarkable journey marked by continuous growth, innovation, and community pride.”

As we look forward to three weeks of celebration, a diverse lineup of activities awaits across all three islands. These activities are designed to engage all ages and interests, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Some of these activities* include:

Bar Crawl and Exhibition (November 8): To kick off events Sunset Bar Crawl will be held on Friday 8 November along Seafarers Way, George Town. An Exclusive Pirates Week Exhibition will be held at the museum which will open to the public the following day.

Pirate Invasion (November 9): Experience the thrill of the annual Pirates Landing at Hog Sty Bay, a swashbuckling spectacle filled with fun for the whole family.

Food and Music Festival (November 9-16): Delight your taste buds with the flavours of the Cayman Islands while enjoying performances from talented local musicians and artists.

District Days (November 11-30): Each district will showcase its unique cultural offerings, and and go head-to-head in the District Fish Fry and Heritage display competitions. Entertainment will include local performances, school performances, local bands, international performances and the integration of Gimistory Storytelling Festival.

Gimistory (Nov 9 – 16, 23 & 30): This year marks the 25th anniversary of Gimistory, which emphasizes the importance of storytelling in our culture,. Each District night from 7 – 8:30pm local and international storytellers connecting generations through rich local folklore

Drone Show and Fireworks (November 9 & 16): Presented by the world-renowned Sky Elements, the drone show will combine cutting-edge technology with storytelling on November 9 (launch day) followed by a mesmerizing firework display on November 16 (finale) to cap off the festivities.

Headline Performers Adding to the excitement this year, attendees will enjoy exhilarating performances from local superstars, Swanky Kitchen Band and international headliners, the renowned music group Fab 5 on November 9 and Soca-Monarch Bunji Garlin on November 16.

In his announcement, Minister Seymour reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the Pirates Week Festival, emphasizing its critical role in both the cultural and economic landscape of the Cayman Islands.

“The significance of Pirates Week to our economy, culture, and heritage cannot be overstated,” he stated. “The government is proud to reinforce its commitment to this vital aspect of our identity by providing the necessary funding to ensure a successful event. I am delighted to announce that we have approved a budget of $574,000 for this year’s festival, which will help deliver a high-quality experience that provides substantial cultural and economic benefits.”

These funds will be strategically allocated to a variety of activities, including organizing District Days, heritage demonstrations, historical re-enactments, and securing exciting performances from both local and international artists. Additionally, the budget will cover essential infrastructure needs, such as stages, sound systems, lighting, and, of course, the highly anticipated fireworks and drone show.

At the helm of this year’s festivities is Patrice Beersingh, a Senior Policy Advisor in the Ministry of Culture, who serves as the Chairperson and Festival Director. She is supported by a dedicated and diverse team of professionals, all committed to ensuring the festival’s success:

· Deputy Chairperson: Oneisha Richards, Director of the Department of Communications

· Secretary: Danielle Roberts, Deputy Chief Officer of the Ministry of Border Control, Labour, and Culture

Committee Members:

· Kimberly Kirkconnell, Senior Customer Service Manager at the Ministry and Department of Education

· Sebastian Bodden, Manager of Tourism Product Development, Department of Tourism

· Niasha Ross, Deputy Director of Public Works Department

· Superintendent Roje Williams, RCIPS

· Natalie Urquhart, Interim CEO of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation and Director of the National Gallery

This diverse committee represents a strong cross-government initiative, ensuring that every aspect of Pirates Week — ranging from policy strategy and logistics to safety and cultural preservation — is thoughtfully addressed. This comprehensive approach will create a memorable experience for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Cultural Ambassador, Olympian and Miss Universe Cayman Islands, Regan Rutty invites the entire community to actively participate in the festivities.

“As an Olympic gymnast and pageant queen, I understand the power of being in the spotlight,” Ms. Rutty expressed. “Pirates Week is a unique opportunity for our culture, history, and heritage to shine. This is our moment to showcase our distinct offerings to residents, visitors, and the world, celebrating what makes the Cayman Islands truly special in the Caribbean.”

With so much to look forward to, we invite everyone to join us in making Pirates Week 2024 a resounding success. Together, let us embrace our traditions, honour our history, and celebrate the uniqueness that binds us as a community.

For further details, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact the Pirates Week Committee at piratesweek@gov.ky . Please stay connected with us through our official social media channels and visit our website for the latest updates and a full schedule of events.

Join us as we “Set Sail Through Time” and create unforgettable memories at Pirates Week 2024. We look forward to welcoming you to this vibrant celebration of the Cayman Islands’ culture and heritage!

The Pirates Week Committee would also like to remind the public that they can apply to become vendors can do so by emailing pirateswees@gov.ky . The deadline for applications is Friday 25 October.

For additional information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact the Pirates Week Committee at piratesweek@gov.ky  and visit www.piratesweek.com  for all information and updates.