Record numbers expected for Junior Batabano
Youngsters at previous Junior Batabano parade
(CNS Local Life): A record-breaking number of students from government and private schools in the Cayman Islands are busy planning their costume presentation and dance routines for the 15th annual Junior Batabano street parade set for Saturday 28 April 2018. Organisers said about 450 students have registered to play mas at this year’s parade, which will make it the biggest ever Junior Batabano.
“The Batabano Committee couldn’t be more thrilled about this news for our juniors as well as for our local schools, and we can’t wait to see the costumes and spirit the students will bring to their parade on April 28,” said Donna Myrie-Stephen, chair of the Cayman Carnival Batabano Committee, which also organises Junior Batabano.
This year’s theme for the parade is “Splendour of the Skies”, with most costumes designed once again by one of Trinidad’s finest junior mas costume designers, Richard Bartholomew, stated a press release.
“Richard has been designing and making Junior Batabano costumes for 15 years, and we are so excited to have him back with Junior Batabano again this year,” said Myrie-Stephen, adding that Bartholomew hopes to work alongside local designers to pass on this art to Cayman’s students through school workshops.
Junior Batabano coordinator WendyAnn George, said of the event, “This is the 15th year of Junior Batabano and we’re always so happy to see it grow in leaps and bounds annually”, adding that the names of costumes being paraded include “Solar Eclipse”, “Rain, Rain and More Rain”, and “Fluffy Clouds”. Last year’s winner, Red Bay Primary School, will be defending their “Junior Band of the Year” title with their costumes ‘Swirling Winds”.
Also participating are bands from Cayman International School, St Ignatius School, Cayman Prep and High School, Prospect Primary, Savannah Primary, and George Town Primary. George noted that George Town’s costumes, “Moon, Stars and Angels”, were designed by Caymanian designer Reba Dilbert, who is being assisted by parents and students.
Apart from the Junior Batabano parade, families can also enjoy Family Fun Day on the grounds of the old Glass House on Elgin Avenue, which kicks off at 1pm. Participants will be able to enjoy such things as a bouncy castle, cotton candy and snow cones, and face painting. The annual “Teen Glow Party” for ages of 13-17, takes place the same evening from 7pm to 10:30pm, at a location to be announced. Teens wearing white will receive free glow items upon entrance.
Cayman Carnival Junior Batabano has a number of other special events planned, including a steel band concert, “Pan on Parade”, and the appearance of a young masquerader portraying a winning costume from Trinidad Kiddies Carnival 2018.
For more information, go to the Batabano website or Facebook page, or email the organisers.
Category: Events
