by Frances Daniel with collaboration from Val Kegel
Well, shiver me timbers! Matey, batten down the hatches! Blimey! Now we’re all SHIPWRECKED! But wait—don’t panic! Being shipwrecked in November on Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, or Cayman Brac is like finding paradise! You and your family can experience the 42nd Annual Pirates Week Festival which will 
begin in Cayman Brac (November 1 – 3), continue in Grand Cayman (November 7 – 11), and conclude in Little Cayman (November 15 – 17). Arrrrrr pirates really going to be there? Certainly! So search the internet for some pirate lingo, and head to the Cayman Islands, the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, where you can join with folks from all over 
the world in a treasure of a celebration that will fuel your fantasy, increase your appreciation of the islands’ history, and provide loads of fantastic fun at each event! A full listing of events will help you enjoy being shipwrecked on Grand Cayman! You can also see the events for Cayman Brac and for Little Cayman. Take a peak below at some of the adventures that await you and your family on Grand Cayman.
Fire up your fantasy with fireworks, parades, and invasions! On Friday, November 8, at 8 
PM, fireworks will light up the waterfront at Harbour Drive. Close your eyes and imagine being out on the wild seas during a Pirate battle! Boom! Sizzle! Pop! Hoo-rah! And the crowd goes wild during the final ka-booms! You have survived your first sea battle all while you were safe at Harbour Drive!
The Landing of the Pirates on Saturday, November 9, will stimulate your imagination as Pirates descend from their ships and storm the shores of Grand Cayman. Even though you know this is all for fun, you also know that your heart is beating faster as the “Pirate Invasion” happens before your very eyes! The blast of canons shake the ground. Pirates wave their swords! Spectators gasp and scream! Will the governor be protected?!? Will Pirates rule Grand Cayman?!? Following the “Pirate Invasion” will be a Float Parade that will delight spectators with colourful floats and a variety of characters.
The grand finale parade will occur Monday evening, November 11, with an impressive fireworks show rounding out the remarkable evening. Reflect on the wildly imaginative events you and your family have enjoyed over the past few days: lights flashing vividly in the night skies, Pirates whooping and shrieking throughout the streets, parades filling their paths with beautiful colours. Certainly, your imagination has been awakened during this fun time of fantasy during Pirates Week Festival at Grand Cayman.
Pirates Week Festival also provides opportunities for residents and guests to appreciate the rich heritage of each district of Grand Cayman during District Heritage Days which begin on November 12 at East End. They continue each day to West Bay, North Side, Bodden Town, and conclude on November 16 at George Town. Each district will showcase its unique contributions to the history and culture of the beautiful Cayman Islands. Talk with the locals. Listen to their stories. Learn their personal history. You might even return home with a renewed interest in the history and culture of your region!
Without a doubt, Pirates Week Festival provides many opportunities for you and your family to simply have fun! Two events happen 
on Saturday, November 9. In the morning you can watch a parade, but it might look very different from what you are expecting! The Annual Pirate Pooch Parade is sure to raise your fun level! Pirate Pooches and their pet moms and dads will parade in costume as a way to raise funds and awareness for the Cayman Islands Humane Society. Adoptable pooches will be there, too, hoping for their fur-ever families! Can you imagine the fun photo-ops you will have at this event?
Beginning at noon on the same day will be the Pirates Week Cardboard Regatta, another event with plenty of photo-ops as you witness a regatta with vessels made of only corrugated cardboard. Let your mind rest on that thought for a minute. Boats. Cardboard. A race. WATER! And then make plans to attend so that you can cheer on your favorite crew!
Pirate’s Week Children’s Fun Day will be Sunday, November 10, from noon until 4 PM. This event allows the children time to enjoy old-fashioned pirates’ fun like playing in the bouncy castle and going down the water slide. Maybe “real” pirates would have been happier if they had been able to have this kind of fun!
Pirates Week Festival appeals to the imagination and to fantasy. It allows guests and residents to increase their appreciation of the 
history of Cayman Islands. And throughout all events is an element of outstanding fun. Aren’t you excited about being there? But there is more! Consider what needs to be done at this year’s Pirates Week Festival to ensure the FUTURE of the festival! For the sake of future festivals, attend the Pirates Against Plastic 
Beach Clean Up on Sunday, November 10, and partner with Plastic Free Cayman and Pirates as they clean Safe Haven Beach. This is a fabulous activity to do with your family or by yourself. Enjoy the beauty of your day while you preserve the beauty for others.
Another outward-thinking event on Sunday, November 10, is the Turtle Release held at Governor’s Beach, West Bay Road. While not exactly a parade, this release is sure to thrill all who are able to attend.
Are you realizing what a rich opportunity you have when you make the decision to attend Pirates Week Festival in the Cayman Islands this year? Parades, fireworks, Pirates, turtles, unique history. Shipwreck yourself in one of these beautiful islands and enjoy some fantasy, history, and fun before returning home where you can share your travel memories and encourage others to return with you next year!
