News

Community groups and businesses on Grand Cayman are being invited to join in the celebration of the start of another turtle nesting season this May, by entering a float in this year’s Batabano parade on May 9, 2020.

The Batabano float theme is “Islas Tortugas” and trophies will be awarded for the top three floats, with the winning float named “Batabano Float Of The Year”.

“It has always been said that the word ‘Batabano’ means the tracks that turtles leave in the sand when they go ashore to nest, so the carnival is a celebration of the start of another turtle nesting season in Cayman, which is also why Batabano has traditionally been held at the beginning of May,” explained Batabano Chairperson, Donna Myrie-Stephen. “We hope that the addition of a turtle-themed float competition in the parade going forward will encourage local groups and businesses to also join in the celebration, while creatively raising awareness of turtle conservation in our islands. It's also a great opportunity for businesses to promote their brands while providing a great team-building initiative for their employees.”

Mrs. Myrie-Stephen said Batabano spectators are also encouraged to embrace the celebration of the start of this year’s turtle nesting season by donning turtle-themed accessories or green and brown colours for Cayman’s two main turtle species, the Green Sea Turtle and the Hawksbill, while out to watch the Batabano parade.

The Batabano parade will be on Saturday May 9, 2020 starting at 1pm from Public Beach, followed by a free street dance on Harbour Drive until midnight, and the annual Batabano Food Festival.

Some rules and restrictions apply for float entries. Interested groups and businesses can get more information and register their 2020 Batabano float, by emailing batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com or call or message Mrs. Myrie-Stephen on 916-1740.