FEEL THE LOVE

F E E L T H E L OV E

Traditions mostly have been adapted from other countries and influences have come from the British. The island is a British overseas territory and the first settlers to the island were from England. Some influences have even come from North America.

T H E C U LT U R E O F B E R M U DA“ T R A D I T I O N S ”

A typlical house in Bermuda is a bright pastel colored cottage with a slanted and stepped limestone roof. The windows would be small with wooden shutters. Often houses are made on a slope with steps leading up to a porch or a veranda leading to the front door where visitors can sit and relax.

B E R M U DA A R C H I T E C T U R E

Underground Tank

ShuttersLimestone Stepped Roof

Steps leading to the porch and the front door

B E R M U DA M O O N G AT E

Many centuries ago, Bermudians had gotten the idea of moongates from China. Consisting of large rings of stones used as garden ornaments.

Legend has it that walking through mongates brings you “good luck”. Mostly newly married couples in Bermuda walk through the moongate to bring good luck to their lives.

The wedding cake usually has a cedar sidling on it which the couple plant in their front yard. They believe love and bondage will grow with the tree.

B E R M U DA E A S T E R L I L I E S

Symbolizes spring time in Bermuda and years ago they covered every inch of Bermuda’s fields because they were our only export.

F E S T I VA L A N D C E L E B R AT I O N S

There are many traditional festivals held on the island throughout the year. On Bermuda Day which is on May 24th, Bermudians usually take their first dip into the water for summer while a parade takes place during the day.

Every Wednesday night during the summer, the Harbor Nights festival is held in the City of Hamilton on Front Street where there are various vendors with stalls, entertainment and many activities.

The Non-Mariners Race is another traditional event in Bermuda where people make their own boats that are not seaworthy and participate in a race after.

B E R M U DA DAY “ M AY 2 4 T H “

During the morning there is a marathon consisting of riders, cyclers, runners, and you might get roller bladers as well. Later in the day will be a festive parade with many entries of floats, majorettes, gombeys, dancers, . It’s a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy the day with plenty of food!

H A R B O R N I G H T S

Takes place every Wednesday night during the summer (May-September) on Front Street in Hamilton Bermuda.

What is Harbor Nights?

Front Street gets closed off to all vehicles after sunset and the stores and restaurants stay open till late. The whole street comes to life with lights and music with various vendors selling local arts and crafts and much, much more. As well as many food vendors selling many Bermudian and ethnic foods.

There are also activities for children of all ages, including fun castles, face painting, a train ride, tattoos and hair braiding.

N O N M A R I N E R S R AC E

The event started years ago when a group of drinking buddies thought it was a good idea to sail a baby carriage (thinking it would float) from Albuoy’s Point to Whites Island. However, this was unsuccessful and was the start of the Non-Mariners Race, which is now celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Locals come and make boats out of various materials, but most of which sink in a matter of minutes. It’s not only where locals can come and enjoy the day of fun, but tourist are also welcome.

Any flotation device you can think of is present in the water this day. A day to just hangout with friends and family relaxing on the water. BBQing! Swimming! Fun in the sun!

C U P M AT C HThis day is named to celebrate the most important modern events in Bermuda’s 400+ year old anniversary. By tradition the two days are Emancipation Day being the first day and Somers Day being the second day. For many Bermudians this holiday turns into a four day public holiday weekend because they don’t have to work on the Saturday or Sunday.

Emancipation day is the celebration of the freeing of the island’s slaves from slavery bevause on Auguest 1, 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act was passed. This is celebrated with the annual Cup Match, consisting of a cricket match between Somerset and St. Georges. Somers Day is the day Admiral Sir. George Somers colonized Bermuda for Britain. He had led the first settlers in 1609 and these islands were first named after him “Somers Isle“.

It’s a popluar time for camping and picnicking at public parks or beaches!

SOMERSET!! WON cupmatch this summer! RED & BLUE ALL DAY!!!

SOMERSET!!BERMP BERMPP

BERMPPPP!

B E R M U DA’ S G O M B E YIs it a dance or music?

It’s been a long tradition to perform at many festive celebrations including Harbor Nights and Market Nights. Along with energetic energy snare drums, kettle drums and fife are instruments used for this performance. Usually formed of male dancers in groups of 10-30 inmasquerade costumes with bright colors.

D O YO U K N OW T H AT B E R M U D I A N S

A R E O F T E N C A L L E D O N I O N S ?

K I T E F LY I N GGood Friday

Bermudians have a long tradition of flying kites on Good Friday. Kites are made with different colors of tissue paper, wood, metal, bamboo and string.

The kites come in different shapes but the standard traditional shape are hexagonal (6 sides) or octagonal (8 sides). The kites usually have a long tail to help balance it during flight.

A kite flying festival takes place at Horseshoe Bay Beach on Good Friday where competitions are held for many categories. Including from the biggest kite to the smallest kite and the one with the best use of technology.

P U RV I S P R I M A RY 2 011M A K I N G K I T E S

B E R M U DA C U I S I N E

Your taste of Bermuda’s tradition isn’t complete until you have tried some of Bermuda’s own exclusive cuisine. Unlike the Caribbean Island, Bermuda hasn’t developed a range of dishes that could be considered a distinctive cuisine.

But there are many items you won’t find in your menu at home!

Surrounded by miles and miles of ocean with deep and shallow waters, we are a fish lover’s paradise. n many restaurants the catch of the day will be the tastiest and best option.

B E R M U DA C O D F I S H A N D P O TAT OB R E A K FA S T

Ingredients:

2lbs. salted white codfish5lbs potato cut2 avocado (or 16 slices)3 hard boiled eggs3 bananas peeled

Preparations

Soak the cod overnight. The next morning cut potatoes into cubes and bring to a boil. Boil the fish and drain off excess salty water. Combine both the fish and cooked potatoes and allow to boil for a few minutes.

Once cooked serve on a plate with two peeled bananas, two boiled eggs and 2 slices of avocado. It is optional to add a tomato sauce or egg sauce to the dish to enhance the flavour.

Tomato Sauce

28 oz can tomato sauce1/2 cup chopped onions1/2 cup chopped pepper1/4 lb butter or magarinesalt and pepperThymeDirections

Egg Sauce

1/4 lb butter or margaine2 hard boiled eggs1/8 tsp dry mustardSherry worcestershire sauceOlive oil

Directions:

Melt butter or margaine into saucepan. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until soft. Add onions and peppers and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve over fish and potatoes.

Directions:

Chop eggs. Melt butter in saucepan adding chopped eggs, mustard and sherry to taste. You can add the worcestershire sauce and oil may be applied directly on fish and potatoes.

P R O U D T O B E B E R M U D I A N

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