festivites
Bermuda has a few holidays and festivities that are celebrated throughout the year:
1. Bermuda Day - Celebrated on the last Friday in May, this holiday marks the beginning of summer and commemorates Bermuda's heritage and culture. The day includes a parade with floats, music, dance performances, and local food.
2. Cup Match - This two-day cricket match is held annually on the Thursday and Friday before the first Monday in August. It celebrates Emancipation Day (August 1) and Somers Day (August 2), which commemorate the end of slavery in Bermuda and the arrival of Admiral Sir George Somers to the island in 1609. The match is accompanied by a festive atmosphere with music, food, and drinks.
3. Non-Mariners Race - Held on the first Sunday in August, this event is a hilarious boat race where participants create their own floating vessels out of anything that can float. The race takes place in Mangrove Bay and attracts large crowds with its eccentricity and humor.
4. Harbour Nights - This weekly street festival takes place in Hamilton, the capital city, every Wednesday from May through September. Local vendors and artists showcase their crafts and talents, and there are live performances, music, food, and fireworks.
5. Good Friday - A public holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is a solemn day for many Bermudians who attend church services and abstain from certain activities.
6. Boxing Day - Observed on December 26th, Boxing Day is a traditional holiday in Bermuda, similar to the UK and other British Commonwealth countries. It is typically a day of relaxation and reflection after the Christmas festivities. Many people go to the beach or have family gatherings.
seasons
Bermuda has three main tourist seasons:
1. Peak Season (May to October): This is the busiest time in Bermuda, with warm temperatures and high humidity. The peak season runs from May to October, with the highest number of tourists visiting during July and August. It's recommended to book accommodations and activities well in advance.
2. Shoulder Season (April and November): The shoulder season offers more affordable prices and fewer crowds than the peak season. The weather is still favorable, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. It's a good time for outdoor activities such as hiking and golfing.
3. Off-season (December to March): The winter months in Bermuda have cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. However, it's still a great time for water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling. Some businesses may close during this time, so it's important to check availability before booking.
visa
Citizens of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom can enter Bermuda without a visa for up to 180 days.
Other nationalities may require a visa or entry permit, which can be obtained through the nearest British embassy or consulate. The cost of a visitor visa is around $225 USD.
It's important to note that all visitors to Bermuda must have a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodations. Additionally, travelers are required to complete a travel authorization process online before arrival, which costs $75 USD per person.
souvenirs
Here are some popular souvenirs to buy from Bermuda, along with their average prices and where to find them:
1. Rum Cake - $20-$30, available at The Bermuda Rum Cake Company or Dockyard Glassworks.
2. Bermuda shorts - $50-$100, available at TABS (The Authentic Bermuda Shorts) or The English Sports Shop.
3. Handcrafted glassware - $40-$250, available at Dockyard Glassworks or Bermuda Glass Blowing Studio.
4. Perfume made with local ingredients - $50-$120, available at Lili Bermuda Perfumery or A.S. Cooper & Sons.
5. Hand-woven baskets - $25-$75, available at The Bermuda Craft Market or the Bermuda National Trust Museum.
Note that prices may vary depending on the store and specific item purchased.
If you have 1 week
Great choice! Bermuda is a beautiful island with plenty to see and experience. Here's a one-week itinerary that will give you a taste of the island's culture, history, and natural beauty.
Day 1: Start your trip by exploring the capital city of Hamilton. Visit the Bermuda National Gallery to see local art and learn about the island's history. Take a stroll through the picturesque gardens of Victoria Park and then head to Front Street for some shopping and dining.
Day 2: Spend the day on the beach at Horseshoe Bay. This iconic pink-sand beach is one of the most beautiful in the world. Relax in the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and take a walk along the cliffside trails for incredible views.
Day 3: Take a boat tour to explore the island from the water. You'll have the chance to see stunning coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life. Don't forget to pack your snorkel gear!
Day 4: Learn about the island's history and culture by visiting St. George's. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a charming town with beautifully preserved colonial architecture. Visit historical landmarks like St. Peter's Church and the Unfinished Church, and then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Explore the island's natural beauty by hiking the Railway Trail. This 18-mile trail spans the length of the island and offers breathtaking views of the coastline and lush vegetation. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day exploring.
Day 6: Get up early and take a sunrise paddleboard or kayak tour around the island. You'll have the chance to see sea turtles, dolphins, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
Day 7: End your trip with a visit to the Crystal Caves. These stunning underground caves feature crystal-clear water and incredible stalactites and stalagmites. Take a guided tour to learn about the island's geology and history.
I hope you enjoy your time in Bermuda! These activities will give you a well-rounded experience of the island's culture, history, and natural beauty.
If you have 2 weeks
Great! Bermuda is a stunning island nation with plenty of exciting things to see and do. Here's a suggested itinerary for your two-week trip:
Week 1:
- Visit Horseshoe Bay Beach: This gorgeous beach is one of the most popular attractions in Bermuda, and for good reason. The pink sand, clear blue water, and spectacular rock formations make it an absolute must-see.
- Explore St. George's Town: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of Bermuda's oldest buildings and history. Wander through the charming streets and admire the architecture, or take a tour of one of the many historic landmarks in the area.
- Go on a snorkeling excursion: Bermuda is home to some of the clearest waters in the world, which makes it an excellent spot for snorkeling. Book a guided tour to explore the colorful marine life and impressive coral reefs.
Week 2:
- Take a scenic hike: Bermuda offers several beautiful hiking trails that lead you through forests, cliffs, and hidden coves. Some great options include the Railway Trail, the South Shore Park Trail, and the Tom Moore's Jungle Trail.
- Visit the Crystal Caves: These fascinating underground caves are full of stunning crystal formations and clear blue pools. Take a guided tour to learn about their history and geology, or even go for a swim in the refreshing waters.
- Try local cuisine: Bermuda has a rich food culture with plenty of unique dishes to try. Don't miss out on trying the national dish, fish chowder, as well as other local specialties like codfish breakfast and shark hash.
Overall, these activities provide a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxation. You'll get a chance to enjoy Bermuda's natural beauty while also learning about its history and culture. Enjoy your trip!
Culture
Bermuda's culture is a mixture of the various sources of its population: Native American, Spanish-Caribbean, English, Irish, and Scots cultures were evident in the 17th century, and became part of the dominant British culture. English is the primary and official language. Due to 160 years of immigration from Portuguese Atlantic islands (primarily the Azores, though also from Madeira and the Cape Verde Islands), a portion of the population also speaks Portuguese. There are strong British influences, together with Afro-Caribbean ones.
The first notable, and historically important, book credited to a Bermudian was The History of Mary Prince, a slave narrative by Mary Prince. The book was published in 1831 at the height of Great Britain's abolitionist movement. Ernest Graham Ingham, an expatriate author, published his books at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The novelist Brian Burland (1931– 2010) achieved a degree of success and acclaim internationally. More recently, Angela Barry has won critical recognition for her published fiction.
West Indian musicians introduced calypso music when Bermuda's tourist industry was expanded with the increase of visitors brought by post-Second World War aviation. Local icons the Talbot Brothers performed calypso music for many decades both in Bermuda and the United States, and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. While calypso appealed more to tourists than to the local residents, reggae has been embraced by many Bermudians since the 1970s with the influx of Jamaican immigrants. Noted Bermudian musicians include operatic tenor Dr. Gary Burgess; jazz pianist Lance Hayward; singer-songwriter and poet, Heather Nova, and her brother Mishka, reggae musician; classical musician and conductor Kenneth Amis; and more recently, dancehall artist Collie Buddz.
The dances of the Gombey dancers, seen at many events, are strongly influenced by African, Caribbean and British cultural traditions.
Alfred Birdsey was one of the more famous and talented watercolourists, known for his impressionistic landscapes of Hamilton, St George's, and the surrounding sailboats, homes, and bays of Bermuda. Hand-carved cedar sculptures are another speciality. In 2010, his sculpture We Arrive was unveiled in Barr's Bay Park, overlooking Hamilton Harbour, to commemorate the freeing of slaves in 1835 from the American brig Enterprise.
Local resident Tom Butterfield founded the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in 1986, initially featuring works about Bermuda by artists from other countries. He began with pieces by American artists, such as Winslow Homer, Charles Demuth, and Georgia O'Keeffe, who had lived and worked on Bermuda. In 2008, the museum opened its new building, constructed within the Botanical Gardens.
Bermuda hosts an annual international film festival, which shows many independent films. One of the founders is film producer and director Arthur Rankin Jr., co-founder of the Rankin/Bass production company.
Many sports popular today were formalised by British public schools and universities in the 19th century. These schools produced the civil servants and military and naval officers required to build and maintain the British Empire, and team sports were considered a vital tool for training their students to think and act as part of a team. Former public schoolboys continued to pursue these activities, and founded organisations such as the Football Association (FA). The Bermuda national football team managed to qualify to the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the country's first ever major football competition.
Bermuda's role as the primary Royal Navy base in the Western Hemisphere ensured that the naval and military officers quickly introduced the newly formalised sports to Bermuda, including cricket, football, rugby football, and even tennis and rowing.
Bermuda's national cricket team participated in the Cricket World Cup 2007 in the West Indies but were knocked out of the World Cup. In 2007, Bermuda hosted the 25th PGA Grand Slam of Golf. This 36-hole event was held on 16–17 October 2007, at the Mid Ocean Club in Tucker's Town. This season-ending tournament is limited to four golfers: the winners of the Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship and PGA Championship. The event returned to Bermuda in 2008 and 2009. One-armed Bermudian golfer Quinn Talbot was both the United States National Amputee Golf Champion for five successive years and the British World One-Arm Golf Champion.
The Government announced in 2006 that it would provide substantial financial support to Bermuda's cricket and football teams. Football did not become popular with Bermudians until after the Second World War. Bermuda's most prominent footballers are Clyde Best, Shaun Goater, Kyle Lightbourne, Reggie Lambe, Sam Nusum and Nahki Wells. In 2006, the Bermuda Hogges were formed as the nation's first professional football team to raise the standard of play for the Bermuda national football team. The team played in the United Soccer Leagues Second Division but folded in 2013.
Sailing, fishing and equestrian sports are popular with both residents and visitors alike. The prestigious Newport–Bermuda Yacht Race is a more than 100-year-old tradition, with boats racing between Newport, Rhode Island, and Bermuda. In 2007, the 16th biennial Marion-Bermuda yacht race occurred. A sport unique to Bermuda is racing the Bermuda Fitted Dinghy. International One Design racing also originated in Bermuda.
At the 2004 Summer Olympics, Bermuda competed in sailing, athletics, swimming, diving, triathlon and equestrian events. In those Olympics, Bermuda's Katura Horton-Perinchief made history by becoming the first black female diver to compete in the Olympic Games. Bermuda has had two Olympic medallists, Clarence Hill - who won a bronze medal in boxing - and Flora Duffy, who won a gold medal in triathlon. It is tradition for Bermuda to march in the Opening Ceremony in Bermuda shorts, regardless of the summer or winter Olympic celebration. Bermuda also competes in the biennial Island Games, which it hosted in 2013.
In 1998, Bermuda established its own Basketball Association.
Religion
Christianity is the largest religion on Bermuda. Various Protestant denominations are dominant at 46.2% (including Anglican 15.8%; African Methodist Episcopal 8.6%; Seventh-day Adventist 6.7%; Pentecostal 3.5%; Methodist 2.7%; Presbyterian 2.0%; Church of God 1.6%; Baptist 1.2%; Salvation Army 1.1%; Brethren 1.0%; other Protestant 2.0%). Roman Catholics form 14.5%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, and other Christians 9.1%. The balance of the population are Muslim 1%, other 3.9%, none 17.8%, or unspecified 6.2% (2010 est.).
The Anglican Church of Bermuda, an Anglican Communion diocese separate from the Church of England, operates the oldest non-Catholic parish in the New World, St. Peter's Church. Catholics are served by a single Latin diocese, the Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda.
Demographics
Bermuda's 2016 Census put its population at 63,779 and, with an area of 53.2 km², it has a calculated population density of 1,201 people/km² (3,111/mi²). As of July 2018, the population is estimated to be 71,176.
The racial makeup of Bermuda was 52% Black, 31% White, 9% multiracial, 4% Asian, and 4% other races, these numbers being based on self-identification recorded by the 2016 census. The majority of those who answered "Black" may have any mixture of black, white or other ancestry. Native-born Bermudians made up 70% of the population, compared to 30% non-natives.
The island experienced large-scale immigration over the 20th century, especially after World War II. About 64% of the population identified themselves with Bermudian ancestry in 2010, which was an increase from the 51% who did so in the 2000 census. Those identifying with British ancestry dropped by 1% to 11% (although those born in Britain remain the largest non-native group at 3,942 people). The number of people born in Canada declined by 13%. Those who reported West Indian ancestry were 13%. The number of people born in the West Indies actually increased by 538. A significant segment of the population is of Portuguese ancestry (25%), the result of immigration over the past 160 years, of whom 79% have residency status. In June 2018, Premier Edward David Burt announced that 4 November 2019 "will be declared a public holiday to mark the 170th anniversary of the arrival of the first Portuguese immigrants in Bermuda" due to the significant impact that Portuguese immigration has had on the territory. Those first immigrants arrived from Madeira aboard the vessel the Golden Rule on 4 November 1849.
There are also several thousand expatriate workers, principally from Britain, Canada, the West Indies, South Africa, and the United States, who reside in Bermuda. They are primarily engaged in specialised professions such as accounting, finance, and insurance. Others are employed in various trades, such as hotels, restaurants, construction, and landscaping services. Despite the high cost of living, the high salaries offer expatriates several benefits by moving to Bermuda and working for a period of time. Of the total workforce of 38,947 people in 2005, government employment figures stated that 11,223 (29%) were non-Bermudians.
The predominant language on Bermuda is Bermudian English.
British English spellings and conventions are used in print media and formal written communications. Portuguese is also spoken by migrants from the Azores, Madeira, and the Cape Verde Islands and their descendants.
Christianity is the largest religion on Bermuda. Various Protestant denominations are dominant at 46.2% (including Anglican 15.8%; African Methodist Episcopal 8.6%; Seventh-day Adventist 6.7%; Pentecostal 3.5%; Methodist 2.7%; Presbyterian 2.0%; Church of God 1.6%; Baptist 1.2%; Salvation Army 1.1%; Brethren 1.0%; other Protestant 2.0%). Roman Catholics form 14.5%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, and other Christians 9.1%. The balance of the population are Muslim 1%, other 3.9%, none 17.8%, or unspecified 6.2% (2010 est.).
The Anglican Church of Bermuda, an Anglican Communion diocese separate from the Church of England, operates the oldest non-Catholic parish in the New World, St. Peter's Church. Catholics are served by a single Latin diocese, the Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda.
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