Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2016 | Page 144

GIMISTORY

Cayman Islands ’ International Storytelling Festival

November 25th - December 3rd 2016
Storytelling is as old as mankind and is considered to be one of the most ancient arts . Professional storytellers come from all over the world telling stories that cultivate their heritage , stories that explore myths and legends , stories that provide laughter , drama and wonderment . Their stories engage audiences to stimulate their imagination unlike other modern artistic mediums . The storyteller must evoke all of the senses to allow the listener to visualise the story , the characters and the setting as told . Storytelling celebrates the art of communication , of talking and listening , and of conveying information , whether lighthearted or profound .

WHEN

The Cayman Islands International Storytelling Festival , GIMISTORY , spans from November 25th through to December 3rd each year and is the highly anticipated kick-off to the Holiday Season .

WHERE

Each of the Grand Cayman districts , Cayman Brac and Little Cayman enjoy a FREE night of storytelling at picturesque venues on beaches under the sea grape trees , or at a park or open field under the moonlight . Local and overseas storytellers take to the stage and tell a tall tale or two while the crackle of a wood burning hints at the hot , delicious fried fish and fritters available after the stories .

WHO

GIMISTORY is presented by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation as a FREE event for the community and made possible by the generous support of businesses . The Festival brings over 2,500 people together from virtually every sector of Cayman ’ s multi-generational , multi-national community , in addition to visitors from abroad who return time and again .

WHY

Revitalising the art of storytelling , which was the main community entertainment and means of transferring cultural mores before the advent of radio and television through Storytelling workshops in schools and district community centres and the tri-island events of the festival .
By its very nature , the festival celebrates the art of communication , of talking and listening , and of conveying information , whether lighthearted or profound .
During the day , storytellers visit schools , making special presentations to students in each of our three Cayman Islands .
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