News

In honour of Emancipation Day 2025, the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Heritage is excited to share the Schedule of Events. This year’s theme, “Unity: Strengthening Our Legacy,” marks the second official commemoration of Emancipation Day since its reinstatement by Cabinet. Emancipation Day 2025 focuses on unity, encouraging everyone to reflect on our shared history, celebrate the progress we have made as a community, and continue building toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

This year’s events will take place from Friday, 2 May – Sunday, 11 May 2025 and will kick off in Grand Cayman and conclude in Cayman Brac.

345 Day

The schedule of events includes 345 Day on Friday, 2 May. The public is encouraged to dress in their #caymanianproud shirts, national dress or wear blue, white or red to show national pride. For those available there will be a photo opportunity taking place at 9am in front of the Government Admin. Building. Persons are encouraged to take their own photos and tag the Ministry’s Instagram account @mysch_cayman.

Cayman Carnival Junior Batabano

Historically, throughout the region carnival is marked as a celebration of freedom and as such the Ministry is pleased to support Cayman Carnival Junior Batabano, which takes place on Saturday, 3 May from 3-7PM on Cardinal Avenue.

Opening Church Service at Webster’s Church

Join us on Sunday, 4 May for the Opening Church Service 11:00 AM at Webster’s Church, Bodden Town.

Emancipation Day Commemoration in Grand Cayman (Official Public Holiday)

Monday, 5 May 2025 from 2-8pm is the Emancipation Day Commemoration event where the Ministry will officially open the Emancipation Centre, which will be located in the former Pirates Week office. The opening of the Centre will be followed by commemorative activities such as Catboat rides, Maypole dancing, artisan corner, traditional games, heritage displays, food sales and fireworks.

Speaker Series x The Link Up Podcast

The Ministry has partnered with The Link Up Podcast to present a speaker series to dissect Emancipation in the Caymanian context. The Speaker Series will take place on Thursday, 8 May at 6pm at the Harquail Studio Theatre.

Cayman Brac Emancipation Day Events

Cayman Brac’s Commemoration event begins on Saturday, 10 May at Watering Place Gardens from 2-8pm. A Closing Church Service will be held on Sunday 11, May at Bethel Baptist Church starting at 11am.

Follow @mysch_cayman on Instagram and the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Heritage on Facebook for more Emancipation Day updates.

Cayman Islands’ Emancipation History

The Cayman Islands was one of the first Caribbean territories to be emancipated; unlike other jurisdictions, Caymanians received immediate and unconditional freedom and were not subject to an Apprenticeship system. The abolition of slavery was a pivotal moment that has shaped the inclusive and compassionate society we cherish today.