Pirates Week: The Biggest Thrill in the Seven Sea

Ahoy mateys!

It’s almost time for one of our favorite events of the year: Pirates Week. This unique, fun-filled festival is coming back to Grand Cayman November 8-16, and we couldn’t be more excited! Get ready to experience a family-friendly tradition full of spectacle, delicious food, and the culture of the Cayman Islands.

What you need to know

Pirates Week is a 47-year tradition of the Cayman Islands that allows visitors to immerse themselves in a little history, a little pageantry, and a whole lot of culture and fun. The highlight of the week is when the pirates invade Hog Sty Bay, riding into George Town harbor on authentic pirate vessels in order to take hostages and cause chaos, all in the spirit of good ol’ piratey fun. The pirates celebrate their invasion with a colorful parade of ships and entertainers and a fireworks display. Many locals and even visitors dress in pirate attire for the day.

Events to attend

Pirates Week Pub Crawl, November 8, 2024

Start Pirates Week off right with a jovial pub crawl at participating bars in George Town. Get in on the fun from 3:00 - 6:00 pm at any of these waterfront hangouts: Rackams, Sharkeez, Cayman Cabana, White Whale, Grand Tiki & Sand Bar. You can wear your normal beach attire, or if you want to go all out, we’re sure a faux parrot on your shoulder or an eye patch wouldn’t be discouraged!

Pirates Landing, Parade & Fan Fare, November 9, 2024

Before the pirates land, marvel in street acts, music, cultural features, a food festival at the pre-party in downtown George Town. Then witness an event unlike any other as authentic pirate vessels drop pirate gangs onshore to cause mischief and mayhem aplenty. A battle will ensue and who knows who will claim victory. After they invade, the buccaneers and locals alike will parade through the streets, ready to show off their exquisite floats, costumes, and theatrical performances. You won’t want to miss a moment!

District Days, November 11-15, 2024

Celebrate the history and culture of each district in Grand Cayman starting with George Town District Day on November 11th. The North Side, East End, West Bay and Bodden Town Districts follow suit on the 12th, 13th, 14th & 15th respectively. These events offer the opportunity to fraternize with the community and learn about the time honored traditions of each district.

Turtle Release, November 15, 2024

To further celebrate the wonders Cayman has to offer, the Cayman Turtle Centre will release baby and rehabilitated turtles into the wild on November 15th. This is a rare occasion few will get to witness in their lifetime. Since this program began in 1980, over 30,000 turtles have been released. This year is set to be another memorable and significant release of these treasured sea creatures.

Grand Cayman Finale & Fireworks, November 16, 2024

Pirate Week ends with a nighttime spectacle. Witness the trial of the pirates, partake in a food festival, enjoy lively music & fireworks and end it all with a street party headlined by soca artist Bunji Garlin.

Get all the Details!

We are counting down the days until Pirates Week and hope you’ll be with us to celebrate. If you’d like to join us make sure to check out the official Pirates Week website which includes more details on the events featured here and several more events that will be happening throughout the week. Plus, if one week isn’t enough, there are even a couple of celebrations later in the Sister Islands! We hope to see you mateys soon!