IMAGE – images

Every 25th May the City of Hamilton hosts a lively parade through the streets to showcase and celebrate its people.

The day starts early for a cycle race and half marathon run. The ‘main event’ street parade started about 2pm and by 6pm was finally coming to a close with a final troupe of Gombeys dancing and drumming through the streets.

We found a good shady spot to watch the several hours of the parade. The local families moved into the streets for the whole day. Amazingly they had marked out their chosen ‘best spots’ by marking the footpath with their family names! Apparently some extended families meet each year in their same ‘best spots’ each year. By the time we arrived they were well set up for the day with their large gazebos for shade from the sun, BBQ’s, picnics tables and folding chairs, large drink coolers etc, etc. for a family day of good food, drinks and entertainment.

The crowd as well as the various floats, school groups, musical groups etc were a true reflection of the country’s ethnic mix.

On the water in and around the harbour every size and shape of boats were out full of families enjoying their National Day.

We did not know anything about Bermuda Day before we arrived here – what a great opportunity to see yet another country celebrate local style.