May 22, 2026
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 For the Culture, 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.
Bermuda Day Parade Visitor Experience
Experience Bermuda Day from one of the best seats in the city. Enjoy the festivities, colourful traditions, and be immersed in island pride during Bermuda’s most beloved national celebration.
Your experience includes:
• Authentic Bermudian cuisine
• Signature cocktails and refreshing mocktails
• Elevated seating with prime parade views
• A special Bermuda welcome gift
Kindly note: This event is intended for international visitors to Bermuda only, and as such, is not available for local residents to book. We appreciate your understanding. For more information, please email [email protected].
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 'For the Culture'.
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.
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, getting around our island is still a breeze – rent a motorcar or a scooter for a fun way to hit all the festivities without missing a beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bermuda Day, celebrated annually on the fourth Friday in May, is deeply rooted in our island's history and serves as our unofficial kickoff to summer.
The holiday originally began in 1902 as "Empire Day" to commemorate Queen Victoria's birthday. However, following social shifts in the 1960s and 1970s and the recommendations of the 1978 Pitt Report, the holiday was officially reborn in 1979 as Bermuda Day. The specific goal of this change was to foster national unity, promote civic pride, and celebrate our distinct, diverse cultural identity. Today, it is the culminating event of Heritage Month, famously celebrated with a highly competitive half-marathon derby, vibrant street parades, and rhythmic performances by our iconic Gombey dancers.
The famous Bermuda Day parade winds right through the heart of the City of Hamilton, offering plenty of fantastic, family-friendly viewing spots!
The procession begins at Albuoy’s Point near Point House, travels along Front Street, turns left onto Court Street, left onto Church Street, and finally right onto Cedar Avenue before ending at Marsh Folly Road.
For the best experience, we recommend setting up along Front Street or Church Street. These areas offer a lively atmosphere and great sightlines to watch the floats, majorettes, and Gombey troupes. Remember that road closures in Hamilton typically begin early in the morning (around 7.30 am) to accommodate the half-marathon, so we strongly advise arriving early with your folding chairs to claim a great spot along the route!
As you look for your perfect viewing location, you might notice sections of the pavement marked off with tape. Staking out viewing areas with tape ahead of time is a beloved, time-honoured cultural tradition for locals on Bermuda Day. Out of respect for the community, we kindly advise visitors to avoid setting up in these pre-taped areas so everyone can enjoy the celebration.
Yes, absolutely! Bermuda Day, which takes place annually on the fourth Friday in May, is one of the most family-friendly holidays on the island. It serves as our unofficial kick-off to summer and is packed with energy and excitement that kids of all ages will love.
The absolute highlight for families is the vibrant Bermuda Day Parade that winds through the City of Hamilton. Children will be captivated by the colourful, handcrafted floats, energetic majorettes, marching bands, and the iconic, rhythmic performances of our traditional Bermuda Gombey dancers. Families often bring folding chairs, snacks, and sunshades to line the streets and enjoy the festive, block-party atmosphere.
Earlier in the morning, kids can also join the crowds to cheer on the runners participating in the historic Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby. Because Bermuda Day officially marks the start of the summer season, it is also a cherished local tradition for families to pack up after the parade and head to the beach for their first official ocean swim of the year!
