Top 3 Ways to Celebrate Easter Like a Local

Easter in Grand Cayman is more than just a long weekend—it’s a time for family, tradition, and enjoying the island’s natural beauty. If you’re lucky enough to be here for the four-day holiday weekend, there’s no shortage of things to do. Whether you want to experience local customs, relax on the beach, or indulge in local food, here’s how to make the most of Easter weekend in Grand Cayman.

Traditional Easter Eats

Easter is synonymous with food in Cayman and there are a few must-try dishes if you want to eat like a local.

Fish & Fritters – head to local fish fry in the eastern districts for an authentic Caribbean dish. A favourite location is Grape Tree Café where you can put your toes in the sand while sitting on seaside benches.

Cook Food – this is a term used locally to describe the ‘low and slow’ cooking style that Caymanian dishes enjoy. Families will cook a big pot of Conch Stew, Cayman Style Beef or Coconut Fish Rundown. These indulgent meals are served typically with sides, such as rice & beans, fried plantain and a breadfruit/ potato salad. Visit Miss Vivine’s Kitchen in East End for an authentic experience as the seating is located on the back patio of her home.

Bun & Cheese – a British-inspired tradition with a Jamaican twist. You can find supermarkets selling hot cross buns, but spiced bun is an Easter must have! Head to any store throughout April and you’ll find stacks of spiced bun next to Jamaican canned cheese. Not everyone loves the sweet and savoury combo, but spiced bun is just as delicious on its own.

Hop into Local Events

During Easter weekend, there are plenty of events happening across the island that anyone can participate in.

The Easter Regatta, Round The Island Race is celebrating its 61st year and is hosted by the Cayman Island Sailing Club. If you’re located near the water, you should see multiple sailboats in action over Good Friday (18 April) and Saturday 19 April. On the first day they head 41 miles east around the island to ends at Sunset House. On Saturday some sailboats opt to complete the full loop of the island by sailing back from Sunset Houe to the Sailing Club.

Kitefest is the perfect way to round out the Easter long weekend as it is held on Easter Monday (21 April). Be prepared to see colourful kites floating in the sky at Kaibo with the background of live music from 1-4 pm. Caribbean culture includes kite making so bring your own or you can purchase one at the event. On the day they will host competitions for best kite flyers in multiple categories with prizes to be won.

Sunday Brunch is a popular event for locals any time of year, but it is especially busy when the next day is a public holiday. Many brunches are all-inclusive, and this means that guests can enjoy unlimited cocktails and bubbles, plus an all-you-can-eat buffet. The hotel brunches fill up quickly, but be on the lookout for smaller restaurants who also offer a themed brunch or lunch of their own. Some exciting ones to consider include NOVA’s 3-course lunch by the sea or Bacaro’s 4-course lunch seated canalside.

Boats, Beaches & Easter Breezes

With the extra time off, there’s no excuse not to spend a day on the water or hang out on the beach. Many locals will head out on onto the North Sound throughout the weekend, and it will be particularly busy in the Cayman Kai area on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Visitors can book a charter with companies like Red Sail Sports, Island Splash or Captain Marvin’s so they can take you to the world famous Stingray City or visit the starfish speckled waters of Starfish Point. Some charters even offer a stop at Kaibo or Rum Point Club if you’re looking for a bite to eat and a tropical cocktail.

Along Seven Mile Beach you can easily head down to any of the public beaches to catch some sun rays, go for a dip in the sea or have a picnic. You can elevate your beach experience by renting snorkel gear, water toys or paddleboards. A unique experience is the paddleboard yoga and fitness classes hosted by Vitamin Sea.

You should note that many public beaches will be home to Caymanian campers; a decades long tradition where families camp on the beach to get in touch with nature, participate in outdoor cooking and playing dominoes and card games.

Make the Most of Easter in Grand Cayman

Easter weekend in Grand Cayman is a mix of tradition, relaxation, and adventure. Visitors should note that the public holidays on Good Friday (18 April) and Easter Monday (21 April) will affect supermarkets, restaurants and bars, so check their hours in advance. However you choose to spend your time, take a moment to appreciate the island’s charm, connect with the community, and enjoy the long weekend.