Arts of Celebration

Bermuda observes a number of festivals, holidays and celebrations rooted in traditions that date back generations, yet hold contemporary relevance. In addition to the religious holidays of Christmas, Good Friday and Easter that Bermudians celebrate in our own distinctive way, there are holidays unique to Bermuda such as Cup Match: a time when Bermudians celebrate the emancipation of the island’s formerly enslaved people with two days of cricket and a weekend of parties. Observing life’s major milestones such as weddings are also always a cause for celebration, and Bermudian weddings are typically stylish and carefully choreographed. The happy couple often walks through a moongate as part of the wedding ceremony; and the reception traditionally features separate “bride and groom” wedding cakes, which are covered in gold and silver leaf and topped with a cedar seedling, to represent wealth and fertility.