Piracy on the high seas is usually more associated with deception and skulduggery than friendly co-operation, but several hundred years later it was a very different story in the town of Port Royal, Jamaica.
The historic site, once known as ‘the wickedest city on Earth’ thanks to its reputation as a hub for pirates and buccaneers, was the location of Jamaica’s first-ever Pirates Week festival and Cayman’s pirate contingent, the Cayman Islands Corsairs, were welcomed as treasured guests.
Pirate heritage
The festival, held 11-15 March, celebrated Jamaica’s pirate and maritime heritage with vibrant festivals and community events. A highlight of the festival was the dramatic landing by the Cayman Islands Corsairs, who represented the Cayman Islands as Kingston’s official visiting pirate contingent.
The Corsairs – whose original namesakes, unlike common pirates, often operated with official authority or ‘letters of marque’ from their government, making their actions legally sanctioned in their own countries – stormed the shore at Port Royal from a pirate ship hellbent on kidnap and plunder but thankfully for the assembled crowds ended up dancing and celebrating both islands sea-faring traditions.
Organisers called the Corsairs’ participation a highlight of the week and an important symbol of cultural exchange across the Caribbean.
“The Cayman Islands Corsairs brought energy and authenticity to Kingston Pirates Week Festival and helped make our first year unforgettable,” said a festival spokesperson.
For their part, the Corsairs said that it had been a great chance to celebrate with their Caribbean neighbours.
After invading the port, the Corsairs took to the event stage. – Photo: Supplied“We were honoured to represent the Cayman Islands in Kingston,” said Guglielmo Battaglia (aka Battle Bill), co-founder and managing member of the Cayman Islands Corsairs. “Events like Pirates Week strengthen cultural ties and give us the chance to celebrate our region’s rich maritime heritage together.”
Corsairs co-founder Andrea Iallorenzi joked that “it was the first time that Port Royal had been invaded since 1692″. She added, “It was great to celebrate our shared history. Our performance style really connected with the local community and there was a lot of energy there – it was really impressive.”
The hope is now that Jamaican pirates will return the favour and make an appearance at Cayman’s next annual Pirates Week, scheduled for October 2026.
Comments