SWANKY!!!!

Cayman Islands Style!!

By Craig Frederick

The History of Cayman Carnival Batabano
Cayman Carnival Batabano was launched in 1983 by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman. Held annually during the first week of May, it is undoubtedly one of the main highlights of Cayman's entertainment calendar.

"Batabano" was the original name of Cayman Carnival, chosen as a salute to Cayman's turtling heritage - Batabano refers to the tracks left in the sand by turtles as they drag themselves onto beaches to nest. Finding turtle tracks on the beach were and still are reason to celebrate in Cayman, thus, Cayman Carnival Batabano.

Needless to say, Carnival is a true Caribbean tradition - a cultural kaleidoscope of music, dance and pageantry with roots mirroring the region's diverse history of African and religious influences. The colorful costumes reflect our vibrant landscapes and traditions, and the music is the very rhythm of life in the islands. From Trinidad and Tobago, to Jamaica and the Virgin Islands, carnival is the Caribbean's cultural expression of the arts. (Courtesy of www.caymancarnival.com)

Swanky International
Swanky International first came on the scene during the 2007 Batabano. It was the inception of a “Carnival Baby”, yours truly, Craig Frederick aka Festa. I was a regular at Miami Carnival when I was at the University of South Florida in Tampa and even after my graduation. I fell in love with this thing called Carnival. I knew that I was destined to make a difference in my own Carnival, and that Swanky was my destiny. The word Swanky is very Caymanian, I grew up on Swanky, a local drink made from Cayman limes and brown sugar. I have to thank Christen Suckoo for actually naming the group in 2006, and Swanky has become a staple ever since in bringing a Carnival atmosphere to Cayman. Swanky International has goals greater than just having a good time on the road one Saturday afternoon in May every year; we look to achieve something greater. Our goals are to take Cayman Carnival Batabano to the world and invite all to experience Carnival… Cayman style.

The flavor of Swanky is much the same that you’ll find with Carnival “Tribe” Mas Band in Trinidad, or “Generation X” of Miami, or “Tribal Knights” of Toronto. A flavor of quality, a flavor of color, and a flavor of true Carnival spirit… that’s what Swanky International is about. Every year our goal is to increase our quality and raise the level our masqueraders have come to expect. I am a person that believes, with everything that I do, I have to reach for the stars. We have changed the perception of Batabano as a parade that is not up to par with the rest of the Caribbean and other Carnivals. Last year the greatest compliment was paid to Swanky, when a Trinidadian came to me after the parade and thanked me for making her feel like she was home watching “The Greatest Show on Earth”, Trinidad Carnival.

After making history last year by having the most masqueraders for a private band, 138, this year we look to create Carnival history again. Never before has a Batabano Mas Band had a noticeable number of overseas participants for the masquerade parade, and that’s our goal this year.

Ok now, enough about history and I think you now know a little about Swanky International; come with me and take a trip through your soca imagination and I’ll tell you why Cayman Carnival Batabano is a winner for Carnival hungry travelers.

Here’s your itinerary for 2009, the weekend of April 30th to May 3rd,

Thursday:

1. You fly in, and head to the hotel on the famous Seven Mile Beach. If you get here early enough, you can even catch a little beach time!
2. Thursday evening at the hotel, it’s time to lime and start the Carnival juices flowing.
3. That night, it’s off to one of the most fun events for the weekend, Swanky’s Glow Foam Fete, and ‘get on bad’ to some of the top Soca DJ’s. DJ’s like Dr. Jay, the World’s top Soca DJ and Eternal Vibes, Miami Carnival’s top Soca DJ.

Friday:

1. It’s time for some sun, sea and sand, time to forget a little about the economy back home and enjoy a weekend a reveling.
2. Friday night, Swanky masqueraders invade the big Friday night concert, hosted by the Batabano Committee, and show everyone true etiquette at a Soca Fete!! 
3. We are working on a little surprise for the post-fete activity.

Saturday:

1. The BIG DAY!! It’s time to hit the road with Cayman’s premier Mas Band, Swanky International. For six hours it’s all about tiefing a whine, drinking a little drink, going down the road to the best Soca music from the best Soca DJ’s.
2. For those who are still standing, or at least stumbling, it’s time for the Swanky Cool Down Fete at one of Cayman’s landmark restaurants downtown, MacDonald’s, and no it’s not Mickey D’s.

Sunday:

1. Time to return to reality and reminisce about the weekend and start to plan for next year.
2. For those who are fortunate enough to stay until Monday, it’s off to Cayman’s favorite Sunday spot, Rum Pointe (need I say anymore than the name!)

So you see, Carnival weekend in Cayman is full of a lot to do but the cool thing is that there is still time to kick back and relax. Swanky International is ready to welcome the world to Cayman Carnival Batabano, and we can help you get here. Email us at craig@swanky.ky for package information. Travel dates April 30th to May 3rd, can’t wait to see you on de Road in the Cayman Islands. SWANKY!!!!

(Craig Frederick is a contributor to Island Vibes Magazine and writes about Caribbean culture. For comments, please feel free to contact him at craig@islandvibesmag.com.)