History
Cayman Islands were discovered by Columbus. Before he found Cayman
Islands, he discovered Little Cayman and Cayman Brac during his
fourth and last voyage to the New World, on May 10, 1503.
While sailing from Panama to Hispaniola, he saw two very small islands,
full of tortoise, they looked as much as little rocks. Consequently,
Columbus named the islands, Las Tortugas after the abundant sea
turtles sighted.
The islands were later named Lagartos, meaning alligator or large
lizard and finally, the name Caymanas was applied around 1540, derived
from the Carib word for marine crocodile. This name in a modified
form remained since the late 16th century.
Culture
Grand Cayman has been heavily influenced by American mores, 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.
West Indian traditions are noticeable in the soca, calypso and reggae,
you'll hear emanating from locals' jeeps, clubs and bars.
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