Batabano is Grand Cayman's costume carnival weekend. It takes place the last week of April or beginning of May. Cayman Brac has a similar celebration, Brachanal, which takes place on the following Saturday. Everyone is invited to dress up and participate, and there are several competitions. The largest population center is the capital of the Cayman Islands, George Town. Many of the old buildings are undergoing restoration since the government is encouraging museums and historical societies to complement beach and watersports tourism.
Exhibits portray the nation's seafaring history and natural history.
The National Trust has designed a walking tour of George Town. A free map is available from the National Trust or Tourist offices. The Cayman Maritime and Treasure Museum on West Bay Road near the Hyatt Regency has a collection of gold and silver relics from sunken Spanish ships. Click on links below to download video footage of Pedro St. James. The Pedro St. James Historic Site is the Cayman Islands' most important national landmark.