Cup Match in Bermuda

July 31 - August 1, 2025

Bermuda's annual Cup Match is a giant, island-wide celebration of our vibrant culture, centering around a two-day cricket match between the rival clubs of St. George's and Somerset. This year, over July 31 and August 1—we honour two holidays - Emancipation Day, which celebrates the abolition of slavery, and Mary Prince Day, which celebrates Mary Prince, an Abolitionist and National Hero.

Cup Match goers gather to watch cricket, visit the camps, play Crown & Anchor, sample food stalls, with fashionistas showing out in their holiday best. Beach-goers head out and enjoy parties on raft ups or beach camps. However people spend the holiday, it's sure to spark plenty of banter between team rivals and you can’t help but get caught up in the excitement. Over these two days you will celebrate Bermuda’s history, learn a little about cricket, and see how strangers become friends over a rum swizzle (or two).

Download the Cup Match 101 Guide

How to Celebrate the 4-Day Weekend

Whether you're a sports fanatic or certified beach bum, there's plenty of ways to soak up the sunshine over the long holiday weekend.

July 31

Cup Match Cricket Classic

Emancipation Day coincides with the first day of Cup Match giving locals and visitors a chance to recognise one of the most significant moments in Bermuda’s history: the abolition of slavery on the island in 1834.

A group of men are walking on the cup match pitch.

A woman is smiling at the camera in her Cup Match Colours.

August 1

Cup Match Cricket Classic

Mary Prince Day coincides with the second day of Cup Match and celebrates Mary Prince, an enslaved person from Bermuda. Once freed she wrote a riveting autobiography titled "The History of Mary Prince, an enslaved West Indian" which played a significant role in the abolishment of slavery in British Colonies.

August 2, 3

Bacchanal Run

Bermuda's alternative J'ouvert road experience, takes place on August 3rd this year. Have you ever danced on the road, thrown powdered paint on a friend and gotten rinsed off by a water truck? You can tick all three off your Bermuda bucket list after the Bacchanal Run.

Non Mariners Raft Up

Wrap up an epic weekend of rivalry and fun at the annual Non Mariners Raft Up. Hop on a boat and head to Mangrove Bay in Sandys parish where dozens of boats will raft up. With vibrant music and vibes, you'll enjoy an afternoon of island fun.

Cup Match 101

Joining us for Cup Match? From the history of cup match to cricket basics, learn the ins and outs of this momentous holiday celebration.

A Beginner's Guide To Cricket in Bermuda

You don't have to be a big fan to appreciate a good game of cricket, but it helps to know the basics. Here's your intro to Bermuda's favourite sport.

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Cup Match, Emancipation Day & Mary Prince Day

Cup Match Cricket Festival celebrates Emancipation Day & Mary Prince Day, and is one of most energised, exciting, and significant holiday weekends for the island of Bermuda.

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Celebrate Bermuda’s Cup Match & Island Culture: A 5-Day Itinerary

More than a game, Bermuda’s annual Cup Match is a cultural experience packed with sports action, island pride, delicious food, and plenty of revelry. Visit during Cup Match in early August to enjoy the best of Bermuda like a local.

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Camping for Cup Match

Discover why Bermuda’s premier cricket event is one of the best weekends to pitch a tent or visit a day camp.

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The Non-Mariners Water Raft-Up

Now the biggest water raft-up party of the year, Non-Mariners began as a race. While Bermuda takes its legacy of sailing quite seriously, the Non-Mariners Race flipped convention upside-down for the sake of humour and entertainment.

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