One of the biggest traditions is the east versus west two-day cricket match that is played the Thursday and Friday before the first Monday in August. The ‘friendly’ game is between each end of the island, the rival clubs of St. George's (East End) and Somerset (West End). While cricket has long been part of Bermuda's emancipation celebrations, the Cup was created in 1901, and the public holidays were introduced in 1947.
Over time the cricket game has become much more than a sports match, it has become host to the island’s biggest celebration of culture, fashion, food and good vibes. And when the final ball is bowled on Friday, the celebrations are far from over. The weekend continues with raft-ups, paint parties, community gatherings, and island-wide festivities that keep the Cup Match spirit alive. Cup Match weekend is more than Bermuda's biggest annual event, it's a celebration of our heritage, resilience, and community. Understanding the history behind the holiday makes the experience even more meaningful.
Emancipation Day on July 30, which marks the abolition of slavery in Bermuda, and Mary Prince Day on July 31, which celebrates Mary Prince, an abolitionist and national hero.
Marking the abolition of slavery in Bermuda in 1834, Emancipation Day is one of the most monumental events in Bermuda’s history. . Mary Prince is a celebrated figure in Bermuda and around the world. The biography of her life was the first story of its kind to be published and was instrumental in the movement to abolish slavery in the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, and we celebrate her as a national hero each year in June and on Mary Prince Day.
Whether you're watching sixes at the cricket grounds, discovering the excitement at Crown & Anchor tent, enjoying the beach festivities, or simply soaking up the unmistakably joyful atmosphere, there's no better time to experience the heart and soul of Bermuda.
Experience the Energy of the Cup Match in Bermuda
Personalised Itineraries
Kids & Families
Friends & Social Seekers
Night Owls & Party-Goers
Camp Bermuda
Join us at #CampBermuda during the annual Cup Match Cricket Classic at the Somerset Cricket Club. Stop by the Bermuda campsite and get a taste of an authentic Cup Match atmosphere where you can dance to tunes by our DJ, snap selfies at our photobooth, grab a bite to eat, learn about the game, and cool off with a Goslings Rum Swizzle.
Tickets to the game can be purchased at the cricket club or online. Entrance to Camp Bermuda is free and open to island visitors only with room key, foreign license, or cruise card.
A special thank you to this year’s sponsors, Goslings and Lusso.
Getting Around Bermuda
Getting to and from Bermuda's iconic Annual Cup Match Classic has never been easier. As the Official Transport Provider for the 2026 event, Journi will offer visitors a seamless and reliable way to travel to Somerset Cricket Club on 30–31 July.
Using the Journi app, visitors can book licensed taxis with secure cashless payment, enjoy Government-regulated fares with no surge pricing, and access dedicated taxi pick-up and drop-off locations for a smoother event experience. An on-site Journi Transportation Desk will also be available to assist guests throughout the two-day celebration.
To help visitors make the most of Cup Match, Journi will waive its platform service fee on your first completed booking each day of the event, making it even easier to experience one of Bermuda's most anticipated cultural events.
Prefer to use public transportation? Buses operate on the Sundays and Public Holidays schedule during Cup Match. Take the #7 or #8 bus towards Dockyard and ask the driver to let you know when to get off for Somerset Cricket Club.
Alternatively, the Blue Route ferry will operate on a weekday schedule between Hamilton and Dockyard, where you can connect to a bus or taxi for the short journey to Somerset Cricket Club. The Orange Route ferry will also operate on a weekday schedule, with additional services between Dockyard and St. George's throughout the holiday.
