The world is a vast place, with infinite cultures and people coloring it. Try as you may, it’s impossible to know everything about all cultures.
We all travel for different reasons, but one sure thing is this: When we go on vacation, we aim to have fun and experience things we never have before. We journey to places unknown to learn about all the cultures and myths we have read and been told about.
So let me ask you: How can you indulge yourself in the greatest things foreign lands have to offer when you're only going to be there for a few weeks? Simple. You go during the festive season, when the culture of the people is in full bloom as it’s celebrated.
Today, we’re going to talk about a place in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba. Let’s just say going there means you’re going to have one heck of a good time.
The Pirates Week Festival (Cayman Islands)
Ever wanted to be a pirate? This is your chance. The Pirates Week festival is as close as you’ll ever get to knowing what it’s like to live the life of a pirate. We say this because all around you will meet people from the four corners of the earth dressed up in their pirate costumes and having a jolly old time.
Men and women will be making a raucous as they sing out shanties and splatter ale over any passers-by not quick enough to dodge.
The whole point of the festival is to celebrate the islands’ pirate history. It is hosted every November, but it matters not if you miss the first days because its celebrated all through the month.
The Pirates Week festival takes place on different days on the three islands which make up the Cayman Islands:
From the 2nd of November to the 4th, it is celebrated on Cayman Brac.
From the 8th of November to the 12th, it is celebrated on Grand Cayman.
From the 16th of November to the 18th, it is celebrated on Little Cayman.
What to Expect and What You’ll Need to be Part of it
There’s a lot more to Pirates Week than just singing and costumes though. There are street dances where everyone can join in and go wild - you don’t need to know the first thing about salsa dancing or the tango to be part of the happy vacationers dancing their woes away.
More than dancing, there is also be sporting events and competitions.
We saved the best for last because the biggest attraction to this festival are the mock pirate invasions. They are incredibly fun to witness and be a part of. And make sure you bring along things that will make the experience even better.
Here’s a few we believe are necessary:
Pirate costume that comes complete with a hat and fake hook. If you can manage it, get a fake or real parrot to sit atop your shoulder too. The more realistic, the better.
Dancing shoes (obviously).
A mind focused on one thing only: Having a whale of a time.
With these three things, you’re all set. Now get up and start practicing your pirate talk, swashbuckler, because you’ll need it very soon.
For more information, please check out our calendar.