Bermuda's Culture: A Quick Snapshot

Bermuda is Britain's oldest colony, so it's not a surprise that a British influence continues to dominate island government and educational and legal institutions. You may spot a judge walking through Hamilton in a powdered wig, see a bobby directing traffic or overhear a passionate conversation about a local cricket match.

African influences, while subtler, can be found in Bermuda's dance and music, especially reggae, calypso and the rhythm of the Gombeys – our colourful, costumed dancing and drumming troupes which can often be seen performing in the streets and at festivals. 

Here are some of the cultural elements you may see while on the island.

So-called Bermuda shorts first came to the island in the early 20th century, borrowed from the British military's uniform for hot climes. Although they're often colourful (pink is a favourite), don't think of them as informal. Or skimpy, for that matter: Bermuda has a law that you can't wear a pair of shorts any shorter than six inches above the knee.

Bermudian food draws on elements of African and European cooking, with a lot of local seafood thrown in (think fresh wahoo and rockfish). You'll find traditional dishes like the breakfast staple Codfish and Potatoes (served either the English way with hard-boiled egg and olive oil or in a Portuguese-influenced tomato-onion sauce), Hoppin' John (peas and rice), Pawpaw Casserole and, of course, Bermuda Fish Chowder.

You'll hear British accents around the island, and you may notice that Bermudians have put their own spin on the language. Check out the local lingo, otherwise known as Bermy slang, to learn 10 Bermudian words and phrases.

Bermuda architecture meshes British influence with island style. This results in churches built of native stone, pastel cottages with water views and, everywhere, whitewashed stepped roofs. The last are designed to channel rainwater into underground tanks; this is how the island gets fresh water – there are no rivers or lakes here.

Find some of the best examples of local building in the history-filled streets of the Town of St. George, where British colonial architecture is well-preserved.

Not surprisingly, rum stars in the island's signature drinks: the Dark ‘n Stormy® (featuring Bermuda's own Gosling’s Black Seal Rum mixed with Ginger Beer) and the Bermuda Rum Swizzle. Order them both at the aptly named Swizzle Inn.

The area of the Atlantic Ocean between Miami, Bermuda and Puerto Rico forms an infamous zone known as the Bermuda Triangle, where several military planes and ships mysteriously disappeared in the middle of the 20th century. Some thought supernatural forces were at work, but scientists now believe the disappearances were due to hurricanes, waterspouts, rogue waves and other geophysical phenomena. Visit the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute for an intriguing exhibit on the Bermuda Triangle.