Calendar of Events

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.

January

Art@Government House. This excellent annual event, featuring displays of various art forms by local and resident artists, takes place on the front lawn of Government House. The day is full of entertainment, food, and local arts and crafts. Children can create their own unique works of art in the Kids Corner. Contact the National Gallery at tel. 345/945-8111. Last Saturday in January.

International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. Some of the leading scuba divers in the world show up for this annual ceremony at The Harquail Theatre on Grand Cayman. Entertainment at the event includes audiovisual presentations of scuba-diving feats, live music by local bands, and a food-and-cocktail reception. Tickets are available at the tourist office. For more information, contact tel. 345/949-8522 or www.scubahalloffame.com. Late January.

February

Little Cayman Mardi Gras Festival. Everybody on this small island turns out for this festive event. Parade participants show up from Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. The parade begins in the morning at Head O' Bay and continues to the airport. Contact Gladys Howard at tel. 345/948-1010. Saturday before Ash Wednesday.

March

The Cayman Islands Orchid Show. This annual orchid show takes place at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park from 9am to 5pm. Stop by the park to view the exquisite displays of orchids in bloom. The Orchid Society also hosts a special orchid talk and demonstration. Contact Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park at tel. 345/947-3558; www.botanic-park.ky. Early March.

April

Cayfest (The National Festival of the Arts). This 2-week event celebrates and showcases the art and culture of the Cayman Islands. The expo opens at Seven Mile Beach with a reenactment of a traditional boat launch. In George Town you'll find open-air events featuring local bands, arts and crafts, native cooking, and other demonstrations of local talent, such as culinary and song competitions. For more information, contact tel. 345/949-5477 or www.artscayman.org. Mid-April.

Cayman Islands Million Dollar Run. Launched in 2003 and taking place on Grand Cayman, this is a show of power and speed on the water, attracting powerboat aficionados and fun seekers from around the world. The hottest, fastest, and most exotic boats gather for this race, with captains competing for US$10,000 (£5,059) in cash and prizes. For more information, contact tel. 345/949-8423 or www.mdr.ky. Third week of April.

Easter Regatta. The Cayman Islands Sailing Club sponsors this annual event off Grand Cayman. The race attracts many boaters, who show up in catamarans ranging from 6 to 24m (20-79 ft.). Highlights include a race to the Banks, a dinghy regatta, and a sail around the island to North Sound. Contact tel. 345/947-7913 or www.sailing.ky for dates and more specific information. Staged right before Easter.

May

Annual Batabano Carnival. This Mardi Gras-like event in George Town features popular carnival music and live soca (a type of calypso music with elements of soul that often features lyrics on topical or humorous subjects), and calypso bands. The event is enhanced by concession stands offering Caymanian and Caribbean cuisine and delicacies. Call tel. 345/916-1740 or visit www.caymancarnival.com for more information.

June

Cayman Island International Aviation Week. This annual air show, off Grand Cayman, includes aerial feats, displays, safety seminars, and a "fly-in" to Cayman Brac. It's sponsored by Cayman Caravan (tel. 843/342-4439; www.cayman-caravan.com) in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Third week of June.

Queen's Birthday. To honor the British heritage of the Cayman Islands, the queen's birthday is celebrated every year in George Town on Grand Cayman. The streets of the capital are filled with a full military dress parade, complete with a 21-gun salute. You can attend an open house and garden reception at Government House. Dates vary, and the event is not always on the queen's actual birthday. Contact the Cayman Islands Tourism Association at tel. 345/949-8522 or visit www.cita.ky for dates and details.

July

Taste of Cayman. This event, taking place on Grand Cayman, is the "eatfest" of the islands, showcasing a sampling of different cuisines from more than 40 restaurants. Live entertainment, games for kids, and tasty cooking competitions are also part of the fun. Contact the Cayman Islands Tourism Association at tel. 345/949-8522; www.cita.ky. First weekend in July.

November

Cayman Islands Pirates Week. This is a national festival in which cutlass-bearing pirates and sassy wenches storm George Town, capture the governor, throng the streets, and stage a costume parade. The celebration, which is held throughout the Caymans, pays tribute to the nation's past and its cultural heritage. For the exact dates, contact the Pirates Week Festival Administration (tel. 345/949-5859; www.piratesweekfestival.com). Early November.

CITA Wet Fest. This is Grand Cayman's annual festival of watersports, including snorkeling, parasailing, and kayaking. Kiosks sell island food, live bands entertain, and WaveRunner rides are offered. Contact the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) at tel. 345/949-5859 or visit www.cita.ky for more details and the exact date. One day during the second week of November.

Remembrance Day. This is the Cayman Islands' national day of mourning and remembrance for the military heroes lost during World Wars I and II, and for all sailors and mariners lost at sea during the long maritime history of the Cayman Islands. During this national holiday all schools, banks, and businesses are closed. In a public ceremony, wreaths are laid on two war monuments near the corner of Fort Street and North Church Street in downtown George Town, on Grand Cayman. Solemn music is broadcast on the radio and churches hold special ceremonies and masses. The second Monday in November.