Cayman Islands Culture

Many of the national dishes prepared on the island are made of seafood. Fish is the most common type, with grouper, snapper, marlin, and tuna among the most popular. In many restaurants, turtle steaks are also available, supplied by island farms specializing in this local delicacy. Conch is also readily available and a favorite of locals. Generally seafood is broiled or baked, but the “Cayman style,” topped with onion, pepper, and tomato, is also well-received by most visitors.

Jamaican influences are also undeniably present in the cuisine of the Cayman Islands. Jerk seasoning is used to add flair to many traditional Caribbean dishes. The Cayman Islands have been heavily influenced by their colonial history and their dishes reflect this. For example, locals have their own distinctive version of pepperpot, a thick stew made with potatoes and local greens. They also make use of many British dishes, including heavy puddings, whelk pie, and meat patties known as pasties.

Cayfest is an annual arts festival held every April to showcase local artists and traditions. The
Harquail Theatre is managed by the CNCF and is used to stage various productions, including the National Children’s Festival of the Arts. The Cayman Islands National Gallery and Art Institute provides a venue for local artist to display their work. In addition, the institute offers programs aimed at encouraging the development of contemporary Caymanian art. Other associations include the Cayman Drama Society, the Cayman National Choir, the Visual Arts Society and Cayman’s national dance company, Dance Unlimited.

Some of the most prominent bodies involved in the maintaining the Cayman’s culture are the Cayman Islands National Museum, the Cayman Islands National Archive, and the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. Batabano is an annual 4-day carnival held near Easter. The carnival includes a parade, singing, dancing and plenty of Caribbean food. The Pirates Week national festival runs for 11 days every October. Pirates Week brings celebration across the island in various events; golf tournaments, swim meets, treasure hunts, a parade and fireworks.

Caymanians are respectful and friendly. Greetings and pleasantries are common and expected, and most islanders use titles of respect, such as Mr. and Miss, when addressing other islanders. American culture also influences the culture of the Cayman Islands, particularly in the tourist areas frequented by travelers from North America. Finance and tourism are the economic mainstays of the Cayman Islands. The islands have prospered as an international offshore banking center, rivaling even Switzerland, and since the 1970s, the luxury tourist industry has also become an economic mainstay.