Batabano

[1] Batabano is a time for people of all different descents to gather with a common interest and celebrate community spirit.

Donna Myrie-Stephen is the chair of a volunteer committee that has been in charge of organizing Batabano for the past 15 years.

Myrie-Stephen was crowned Miss Cayman Islands in 1981, and later named the Rotary Club International Sweetheart.

[1] The word “Batabano” refers to the tracks that are left in the sand when the turtles come onto the beach to nest.

[5] The turtle population has diminished significantly due to excessive hunting, but it still remains an important symbol of the Cayman Islands.

[1][9] By 2005, Junior Batabano had evolved from a singular program that was held before the adult parade, to an event that spans an entire day.

[1][9] Children participate in a parade, which ends with a panel of pageant judges who are tasked with awarding the best junior band.

[1][9] The local schools' PTAs organize face painting, mask decorating, and food stalls for after the parade.

[1][9] Batabano typically features soca music- a type of calypso music with elements of soul.

Traditional men's costumes include shorts, feathered headdresses, and jeweled neck pieces and cuffs.

[12] Kadian Edie is a makeup artist in the Cayman Islands who specializes in tribal tattoos around the eyes, which give a dramatic element to the costumes.

[2] It is thought that this will draw an even larger international crowd, and inspire contestants to create even more extravagant costumes.

[2] If Myrie-Stephen is successful, then Cayman Batabano will grow to an even more internationally recognized celebration of local heritage and culture than it already is.