Pirate's Week

Why are Pirates so cool? ----- Because they ARGHHHH!!!! Pirate's Week has begun! It is the largest celebration on the island and probably the most anticipated as well. Pirate's Week actually spans 10 days and two weekends and includes the most random events ever to be held under one title. The week started off last Friday with Fireworks on the harbour. For twenty minutes we watched a great show from the patio of a harbour bar. I was actually quite impressed with what this little country had to offer. Although really it should come as no surprise since it is legal to purchase and let off fireworks anywhere at anytime, therefore the locals get a lot of practice. Saturday was an all day event which began with the Pirate's Landing. The story is that the Governor was in his boat being chased by pirates when all of a sudden sirens (mermaids) arose from the sea and formed a protective barrier around the Governor's boat. Unfortunately there was a pirate disguised as a governor's agent, and he ambushed the boat, kidnapping the Governor and his wife. As retaliation, the sirens went after the Pirate's and kissed as many of them as they could, because a siren's kiss turns a soul in to a zombie. Pretty imaginative basis for a week of debauchery. The best part is that the whole scene is played out in the main harbour, and you can watch them reenact the kidnapping and storming of the pirates. A huge effigy is placed upon the rock out in the harbour and burned while the pirate ship approaches shore. Tourists line the bars, pubs, shops and streets to watch the Jolly Roger come in to harbour. Cannons blast and explosive crackers are thrown in the water (undoubtedly killing lots of fish). At the moment the ship docks the whole street erupts with confetti and noise. A parade is held immediately after in which most floats consist of old trucks carrying banners on their sides. The rest of the afternoon passes quickly due to alcohol consumption and piracy. The best part about the week is the costumes. Everyone dresses up as wenches and buccaneers and heads out on the town. There are mock sword fights between adults and kids and a few "professional" pirates tell their stories. As the afternoon wore on we abandoned our very elite spot at the top of Breeze's (the best view in town!) and headed down the street. There was tale of a boat with half price drinks. We ended up on said boat and proceeded to stay out at sea for two and a half hours, dancing the night away on a catamaran. Once we returned to shore (our legs a lot more shaky than when we had left... ) we hit up the tents on the streets offering local cuisine and stages with live music.
The rest of the week holds heritage events in different parts of the town, as well as a kid's parade and concert, a 5 mile sea swim, and a fall fair. This upcoming weekend is also a big one. The cardboard boat race is on Saturday, and KPMG has a team going in. The boat will hold four people, and they must paddle out 100 metres and back. After the race there is a foot race on the ocean surface. Using whatever means possible, the contestants will attempt to walk on water for several metres. I have to say that I am pretty interested to see how that goes! Finally there is the Pirate Trial, in which the Pirates have to fess up to the kidnapping of the governor and then they are dealt the punishment.

All in all Pirate's Week is a great excuse to dress, talk and walk like a pirate (or a wench) and get away with the lewdest and strangest behaviour without being held accountable. Nothing is out of line for a Pirate!