Culture & People of Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman has been heavily influenced by American decorum, especially in George Town and the resorts along Seven Mile Beach. In the smaller villages and on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, the culture is more traditionally West Indian, although the British influence is close to the surface. English is, after all, the only language spoken on the islands, and the Queen's birthday is celebrated every June with a parade and a 21 gun salute. West Indian traditions are noticeable in the soca, calypso and reggae you'll hear emanating from locals' jeeps, clubs and bars.

There are lots of churches in the Caymans and lots of Christians of every stripe frequenting them. Sunday is very much a day of churchgoing, and visitors are welcome to attend most services. Whether it's a part of the religious ethic or a throwback to straitlaced British behavior, politeness and modesty are much appreciated by Caymanians. A 'good morning' will go a long way, topless bathing is illegal and it's definitely not acceptable to wear bathing suits off the beach. Unlike some other well-touristed Caribbean destinations, there is no beach-hawking culture in the Caymans.