Bermuda Day

May 23, 2025

Thousands of revellers fill the streets of Hamilton to celebrate Bermuda's heritage with a parade, music, dancing and festivities that stretch long into the night. With this year's theme being Culture = Energy, celebrate the day in true Bermudian fashion.

Break out the swimsuits and Bermuda shorts – the Bermuda Day long weekend kicks off summer on the island. Join in the fun to experience a beloved local tradition.

Held annually, this national holiday is a fun-filled celebration of culture highlighted by a parade and a grand finale with the Bermuda Gombeys leading a dance party in the streets of the City of Hamilton. The parade route ends with food stalls (try the wahoo nuggets and fresh fish sandwich) and live performances from Bermuda's best.

AN ISLAND TRADITION

The first Bermuda Day Parade was held in 1979, and today it's still a major affair featuring dance groups, bands, majorettes, decorated floats and Gombey troupes. Previously known as Victoria Day, Empire Day and Commonwealth Day, Bermuda Day is more than a holiday to celebrate over 400 years of history. It also marks the rise in water and air temperatures, signalling to Bermudians that it's acceptable to swim in the ocean. It’s also the first day when Bermuda shorts are worn as business attire.
In addition to celebrating at the beach (or by buying a new pair of shorts), there are plenty of other Bermuda Day events and traditions you won't want to miss – find a small sampling below, and check back for updated details as the event nears.

HALF-MARATHON DERBY

The Bermuda Day-Half Marathon is a 13-mile course that alternates each year from the East-End in St. George’s or the West-End in Somerset and always ends in Hamilton (this year it is from the West). Locals love to come out and cheer on the runners either along the course or along the streets of Hamilton. Join in on the fun from the sidelines and cheer on runners with your breakfast and coffee in hand.

A group of people are running across Somerset bridge.

PARADE, GOMBEY DANCERS & HERITAGE MONTH

In the afternoon, don't miss the annual Bermuda Day Parade in Hamilton put on by the Department of Culture. The bands, floats and dancers start marching around 1 pm from Albuoy’s Point on the west end of Front Street through the City of Hamilton to Bernard Park, but we recommend arriving a little early. It’s common for onlookers to reserve parade real estate the night before.

The traditional parade floats use natural materials, but new categories have been introduced to highlight modern art and the creative ingenuity of Bermudian float-builders. Prizes are awarded in a variety of categories, and competition between floats is fierce. This year's theme is 'A Bermudian Renaissance.'

A group of young girls are dancing in majorettes.

Another highlight of the Bermuda Day parade is the traditional Gombey dancers. You’ll recognise them by their colourful masks and costumes and by their dances set to traditional drums and bone whistles. The Gombeys have become an iconic symbol of Bermuda and the island’s blend of African and Caribbean cultures. Hundreds of people dance in the streets, carried by the Gombey rhythms.

A group of Gomeby Dancers are on front street.

GOOD TO KNOW

When visiting Bermuda during the long weekend, please keep in mind that many shops, supermarkets and restaurants will be operating with holiday hours. This also means that buses and ferries will not be running as frequently as usual. Not to worry, even more reason to hit the closest beach, meet the locals and help usher in the summer season.