Bermuda Holidays

Bermuda Public Holidays

If you are visiting the island on a short vacation, watch out for the Bermuda Public Holidays as most of the things are closed or do not operate during these days.

On Bermuda public holidays, government offices, banks and private offices are closed. There are limited Bus and ferry services available as on Sundays. Even many taxis do not operate. Almost all the local stores and restaurants are closed. But the hotel restaurants generally stay open.

There is no newspaper published on these days. Even the tour operators do not operate or may have reduced services. However, if you are coming by cruise and you have advance booking for cruise excursions, that would operate.

Here are the 2010 and 2011 Bermuda Public holidays

New Years Day: January 1, 2010 (January 1, 2011)

Bermudians and the visitors celebrate the New Year's eve (31st December night) in restaurants or hotels. On 1st January, there are many festive events in Bermuda. A motor race is held in Coney island. Many prestigious honors like Her Majesty the Queen's local honors are announced.

Good Friday: April 2, 2010 (April 22, 2011)

Good Friday is usually a beach day for most of the Bermudians. They also fly locally made kites in the beaches. This is also the day when they usually eat cod fish cakes. You can get cod fish cakes in restaurants serving Bermudian cuisine.

In Horseshoe Beach, there are several events held on this public Bermuda Holiday including kite competition, children's games, live musical entertainment and Gombey dancing.

Bermuda Day: May 24, 2010 (May 24, 2011)

This is the day when annual Bermuda Heritage Day Parade is held. This tradition is taken from Britain where birthday of Queen Empress Victoria is celebrated on this day.

Some of the events on Bermuda Day includes the Marathon Derby. This is raced from Somerset to Hamilton over 13 miles by road, and over the hills and dales. Bermuda's racing legend Stanley Burgess, participated for over 50 years in this marathon since he was 20. His final race was in 1983, when he was 84.

Queen's Birthday: June 15 (no longer a public holiday)

(This is no longer an official public holiday in Bermuda as it has been discontinued in Britain too)

A Military parade is held at the Front Street Hamilton to mark the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Bands including the Bermuda Regimental band and the Bermuda Islander Pipers & Drums band participate in the parade.

Bermuda National Heroes Day: June 21, 2010 (June 20, 2011)

October 13th was the official day for honoring the local heroes. However due to popular demand, the holiday is now celebrated in lieu of holiday for Queen's birthday.

Bermuda Emancipation Day: July 29, 2010 (July 28, 2011)

Somer's Day: July 30, 2010 (July 29, 2011)

These two days are Cricket cup match days. Cricket is a sport originated in England centuries back and quite popular in many countries now. It's played by two sides with 11 players, with bat and a ball - somewhat similar to base ball, although there is a lot of difference in the two.

On these two days Bermuda literally closes down. Everybody is watching or listening to radios for the cup match. So, if you are a tourist, you can't do much. The beaches are also very crowded and many Bermudian camp on the public beaches.

Bermuda Labor Day: September 6, 2010 (September 5, 2011)

There are many events like road races, lectures are organized by the Bermuda Industrial Union on this day. After the victory of the labor government in November 1998, this day has gained additional importance.

Bermuda Remembrance Day: November 11, 2010 (November 11, 2011)

This is similar to the Memorial Day held in the US. It is the day to pay tribute to those who served Bermuda during the Worldwars and Korean wars. The formal occasion is held at the Cenotaph, at Front Street Hamilton.

Christmas Day: December 25, 2010 (December 25, 2011)

(In 2010, public offices will be closed on Dec 27th since 25th is a Saturday)

The whole day is spent is festive mood. The only daily newspaper in the island, The Royal Gazette organizes a short story writing competition on this day.

Bermuda Boxing Day: December 26, 2010 (December 26, 2011)

(In 2010, December 28th will be the public holiday since 26th falls on a Sunday)

In Bermuda, Boxing day is meant for being generous to those who are less fortunate. Many give away leftover food and drinks from the previous day Christmas celebrations.

Check Bermuda Travel Guide for more information.

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