Cayman has become a melting pot for people from all around the globe and although all of them call Cayman home, there are still times when their nationality comes to the fore, never more so than during national days. Two nations with good representation in Cayman, India and Australia, will be celebrating their respective national days in January.
This month sees Australians celebrate Australia Day on 26 January, with the traditional Cayman celebration set for Stingers at the Comfort Suites, featuring the latest and best Australian music as well as good food and something to wash it down with.
For Australians, the day is characterised by sport, music and traditional Aussie favourites like barbecue, Lamingtons, and of course, beer!
The day celebrates the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove in 1788, and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the territory.
For more information on Australia Day celebrations in Cayman, look up the group Australia Day Cayman Islands on Facebook.
Interestingly, India celebrates its national day, Republic Day, on the same date – 26 January. The day celebrates the declaration of independence in 1930, but is also the date on which India’s constitution came into force in 1950.
The celebrations in India include a military parade as well as numerous other festivities to celebrate the culture of the country, and although local celebrations will be much more low key, the community will still be celebrating their cultural heritage.