Cardinall Avenue in George Town came alive Saturday with a vibrant street parade of costumes inspired by the spirit, jubilance and beauty of Caribbean and Caymanian culture for the annual celebration of Junior Batabano.
The family-friendly event, under the theme ‘Island Hopping: Visit the islands through the eyes of Junior Batabano’, featured some 200 junior masqueraders from schools across Cayman, in colourful designs, performing choreographed dances to family, friends, residents, spectators, and judges as they competed for coveted awards.
This year, young revellers showcased an array of costumes in more than half a dozen mas bands, including ‘Laughing Waters’, featuring the exclusive beach retreat in Jamaica with rock pools, swaying palms and shallow waters; ‘Mi Cuba’, highlighting the third most populous country in the Caribbean; and Cayman costumes, designed by local designer Reba Dilbert, highlighting ‘Las Tortugas’.
The young participants represented government and private schools across Cayman, including Joanna Clarke Primary School, Theoline L. McCoy Primary School and St. Ignatius Catholic School.
Along with the street parade, the event also included fun activities, live entertainment, and delicious food, while promoting the preservation of cultural traditions for future generations.
Since its establishment in 2002, Junior Batabano has been dedicated to preserving cultural traditions while fostering community engagement among Cayman’s youth.