National Holidays

Our national holidays are certain to delight visitors of all ages. We hope you will join in the celebration, complete with Gombey dancers and maybe a parade. To get the most up to date calendar of our national Holidays, download it here.

New Year's Day

Sporting events held island wide and the Gombeys dance in the streets throughout the neighbourhoods. Sunday, 1st January, 2012; Tuesday, 1st January 2013.

Good Friday

Bermudians traditionally spend the day kite flying in open fields and on beaches such as at Horseshoe Bay beach and eating codfish cakes and hot cross buns. Friday, 22nd April, 2011; Friday, 6th April, 2012; Friday, 29th March, 2013.

Bermuda Day

Bermuda Day is the highlight of Heritage Month, the month of May. Formerly known as Victoria Day (after Queen Victoria) and later Empire Day, the holiday is now Bermuda Day...a day steeped in tradition. Bermudians traditionally take their first dip in the ocean; sporting events include the Half-Marathon Derby running races, plus fast-paced cycle and roller blade races all between Somerset Island and Pembroke Parish; the Bermuda Fitted Dinghies' first race of the season is held in St. George's Harbour. The afternoon features the colourful and cultural Bermuda Day Parade that wends through the streets of the City of Hamilton. Tuesday, 24th May, 2011; Thursday, 24th May, 2012; Friday, 24th May, 2013.

National Heroes' Day

Every year we honour those individuals or groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of Bermuda's heritage and set a shining example of service on behalf of others. Monday, 20th June, 2011; Monday, 18th June, 2012; Monday, 17th June, 2013.

Emancipation Day & Somers' Day

Before 1947, too many Bermudians were missing work to attend an annual cricket tournament, the Cup Match. So, it was declared a two-day holiday with historical reason: Emancipation Day commemorates the end of slavery (August 1, 1834); Somers' Day honours Admiral Sir George Somers whose shipwreck brought our first settlers. The two full days of cricket are broadcast live on both local radio and TV so you can follow the game while enjoying the beaches and parks or staying home and relaxing.
Thursday-Friday, 28th-29th July, 2011; Thursday-Friday, 2nd-3rd August, 2012; Thursday-Friday, 1st-2nd August, 2013.

Labour Day

The Labour Day holiday activities are organised by the Joint Labour Day Organizing Committee that comprise all of Bermuda's trade unions and the corporate sector. The day's activities include a march, road races, entertainment, cultural food and exhibition.
Monday, 5th September, 2011; Monday, 3rd September, 2012; Monday, 2nd September, 2013.

Remembrance Day

Bermuda's Fallen Heroes are remembered and honoured in this solemn parade and service held at The Cenotaph on Front Street in the City of Hamilton. Friday, 11th November, 2011; Sunday, 11th November 2012; Monday, 11th November, 2013.

Christmas Day

Special Nativity Tidings and Christmas Eve midnight candlelight services in all denominations island wide. Sunday, 25th December, 2011; Tuesday, 25th December, 2012; Wednesday, 25th December, 2013.

Boxing Day

Traditionally a day to visit friends and family or to receive guests and to finish off the Christmas eats such as cassava pie. Sporting activities include soccer and harness racing. Also, the Gombeys can appear anytime, anywhere! Monday, 26th December, 2011; Wednesday, 26th December 2012; Thursday, 26th December, 2013.