What’s that I see on the horizon? Coming back to the islands for the 35th time is Pirates Week 2012! Pirates Week begins Thursday November 8th and ends Sunday the 18th. It is chock full of fun pirate-themed events from the 5k Sea Swim to the District Heritage Days to the Miss Festival Queen Competition. The festival starts off on Thursday with all of the pre-Pirates Week celebrations. Spend Thursday night at the Kick-off Party, complete with live band, the Steel Pan Competition or the “Sand Off” Caribbean buffet at the Westin, where you can enjoy the great taste of Cayman as well as Cayman’s signature sound. The real fun starts on Friday with the 5K Run, Miss Festival Queen Competition and Street Dance and Food Festival. Top the night off with a spectacular fireworks display off Harbour Drive!
The excitement continues on Saturday. Pirates Week’s main entertainment steals the show as the pirates themselves make an appearance for a little good natured fun. Or maybe not? They’ll take the cake when they storm the harbor and kidnap the Governor. Don’t worry; he’ll be just fine. The redcoats won’t let those pirates get away with it. Following that exciting chapter of Pirates Week is the much-anticipated Float Parade and Landing Pageant. Bring the whole family for the show! No expense has been spared when it comes to this colorful display of Caymanian pride and culture, and don’t forget the pirate costumes! You won’t want to miss this spectacle; since when do pirates give away their booty? Priceless. Sunday brings with it the Children’s Fun Fair Day, Underwater Treasure Hunt, Turtle Release and Wet Fete, and come Monday the District Heritage Days begin at North Side. Throughout the week there will be various Heritage Days-North Side, Bodden Town/Savannah, George Town, East End, West Bay-as well as the Mike Lockwood Memorial International Swim Meet.
Heritage Days are sure to be fun while you explore Cayman’s culture in each district. There will be traditional food, contests, competitions, dances, crafts, stories and a return of the elusive Seattle Seafair Pirates with some more pirate shenanigans. On Saturday we’ll all say a sad farewell to our favorite celebration. The day will consist of circuit races for those little pirates under 12, the Stand Up Paddle Board Competition, Cardboard Boat Races for those too small to paddle their own boat, the Snapper Cook-Off finale, and the prize giving. The Street Dance and Food Festival ends Saturday, as well as the Teen Up, Teen Disco. The poor pirates will be sentenced for kidnapping the Governor, and say goodbye-well, until next year, that is. Sunday, the last day of Pirates Week, consists of the Jerry Harper 10k Run, the end of the Mike Lockwood Memorials International Swim Meet, and the Mickey Mouse Darts Tournament, bringing to a close this year’s Pirates Week. Don’t forget to do a little sight seeing while you’re here and immerse yourself in this Caribbean paradise as you enjoy the pirate’s life. So don’t miss this fun-filled tribute to all things Caymanian and book your vacation today!