National Resources
The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Heritage has announced that Cabinet has selected five new national symbols for the Cayman Islands. This decision recognises the importance of national identity to the Cayman Islands and the efforts of preservation and awareness of Cayman’s cultural heritage.
The new symbols will contribute to the preservation of Cayman’s heritage, help to unite communities and strengthen national identity. The new additions are listed and defined as follows:
National Dessert: Caymanian Heavy Cake
Caymanian heavy cakes are traditionally made from cassava, yam and sweet potato. In addition, these heavy cakes can be made from pumpkin, green papaya (paw paw), corn, breadfruit and other available goods such as biscuits and cream of wheat. Caymanian heavy cakes are; rich, sticky, dark in colour and includes coconut milk, which is boiled, vanilla, brown sugar, butter and spices.
National Dish: Stew Turtle
A unique culinary dish that is reflective of the Cayman Islands rich maritime heritage.
National Dance: Cayman Quadrille
The Cayman Quadrille characterized by six distinct figures and eight counts embodies the spirit and rhythm of Caymanians.
National Drink: Swanky
Swanky is made with brown sugar and Seville orange (bitter orange), which has a distinctive bitter and sour taste.
National Dress
Women’s Everyday Wear
- 1-piece long dress or 2-piece blouse and long skirt in the Plaid Gingham pattern in pastel colours, with the occasional option of an apron.
Women’s Dress Clothes
- 1-piece dress or 2-piece blouse and long skirt in solid light colors, often with the blouse being white.
Women’s attire was always of a modest nature; their heads were at times covered with a head wrap knotted at the back of the neck. This was accompanied with a straw hat or a dressier hat. At times gloves were worn for special occasions.
Men’s Everyday Working on Land
- Khaki Shirt and Pants
- Rough Khaki for working
- Dress Khaki evening
Men’s Everyday Turtle Rangers/Seamen
- Denim Jeans
- Chambray Shirts
Men’s Dress Clothes
- Black or White Pants
- White Shirts
- Undershirts
Men often wore straw hats as protection from the heat and a smaller dressier hat for more formal occasions or Church.