This November 2010, Cayman held their beloved national festival Pirates Week. Only in an exotic and unique place such as Cayman could you find a great national festival such as this! The 2010 Pirates Week simply was not to be missed and a great time was had by all. If you didn’t have a chance to join us for this year’s Pirates Week, you’ll want to join us for next year.

Pirates Week included Heritage Days. All across Cayman people could visit and enjoy sites of interest with historical reference. In George Town the Heritage Days site was Cardinall Avenue. Admission was free and many who love George Town know that there is much history left in today’s buildings and its city. The Post Office Building, Library, Pirates Week Office, The National Museum, the Merren and Panton Homes and other homes were important to the history of Cayman and still stand today. Other Heritage Days sites people could visit included Bodden Town, West Bay, North Side, East End, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.

It’s a fact that Pirate Week just gets more and more popular every year. This year it was held from November 11 – 21^th. The first weekend in downtown Cayman during Pirate Week is especially popular when the mock “pirate invasion” is held. Pirate Week includes a parade, street dances, a song contest and a fireworks show. Many of the events for Pirate Week are free to attend and participate. You’ll simply want to plan for your own food, beverages and to expect to be part of a fun crowd at the event. Events with a fee have a very reasonable price, between $7 to 15 for participation.

Part of the great fun of Pirate Week is dressing in pirate gear. Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of pirate gear like hats, costumes, boots, tattoos and t-shirts on Cayman so you can join in the excitement and entertainment of this unique festival. Whether your idea of dressing like a pirate is an entire costume, a few tattoos or a great pirate themed t-shirt you’ll find something perfect to wear. Official Pirates Week Souvenir clothing is also available. The souvenir shop is on Shedden Road behind the Museum and open Monday through Friday.

Pirates Week began on November 11^th at 7:30pm with a Steel band competition. Lots of events and entertainment were planned all week long. On Friday a Pirates Week 5k run was held. In the evening a Pirate Costume Competition was held along with a Miss Festival Queen Competition. The evening culminated with fireworks on Harbour Drive and the National Song Competition. Saturday many events were planned including a 5k Sea Swim and a Landing Pageant with a Float Parade. Sunday was the Children’s Fun Fair Day. Monday was Georgetown Heritage Day. Tuesday was East End Heritage Day. Wednesday was West Bay Heritage Day. Thursday was North Side Heritage Day. Friday was Bodden Town Heritage Day and Saturday was a fun filled day with a cook off, pirates trial, fireworks and street dancing. Sunday was the final day with a Pirates Week 10k run, swim meet and a darts tournament. As you can see there is something for couples, families, individuals and just about everyone to enjoy.

Missed this year’s Pirate Week? Don’t worry…it will be held next year in November 2011. Get ready for another great Pirate Week!

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