Heritage Month

The Origins of Heritage Month and Bermuda Day
Civil unrest in the 1960s and 1970s prompted the Bermuda Government to commission a report examining the social conditions in Bermuda and make recommendations to promote a more unified and peaceful social atmosphere. The Pitt Report of 1978 gave an accurate representation of the social and racially tense atmosphere at the time, and included feedback from many Bermudians that suggested an event should be organised to bring Bermudians together in harmony and to build a sense of civic pride.

It was decided that a parade would provide an opportunity for camaraderie and celebration, similar to the Easter Parade that ran from the 1930s through to the 1960s. During that time, many farmers grew flowers so that they could be in full bloom for the Easter period. It was also suggested in the Pitt Report that the proposed event capture the unifying spirit of the existing May 24 half-marathon. These events both served as inspiration for the Bermuda Day Heritage Parade which replaced Empire Day, the annual public holiday recognising Queen Victoria’s birthday. The first Bermuda Day Parade took place in 1979. It was historically celebrated on May 24th or the weekday nearest May 24th if that date fell on a weekend, in 2018 adjusted to the last Friday in May, and in 2019 onward it will be on the fourth Friday in May. The Bermuda Day Parade in 2024 is on Friday, May 24, 2024.

Bermuda quickly realised that one day of celebration was not enough time to recognise the broad spectrum of Bermudian heritage and traditions. Heritage Week was born, celebrated in the last week in May. By the mid-1980’s, this was expanded further into Heritage Month with a calendar full of events through May that celebrates Bermudian culture, heritage, and traditions. Bermuda Day has become the culminating point of Heritage Month and one of the most beloved cultural holidays alongside Cup Match (Emancipation Day & Somers Day). On Bermuda Day, Bermudians showcase their pride in the beauty and diverse culture of our island – whether they participate in the parade, the half-marathon, go for their first swim of the year, attend the season’s first fitted dinghy boat races, or follow the Gombeys through the streets crying, “Ay-oh!”.

Heritage Month 2026 Theme: For The Culture

Heritage Month is a time to celebrate everything that makes us who we are, and this year’s theme, For the Culture, honours the spirit that connects us as Bermudians. Our culture is bold, creative, and deeply rooted in community. It lives in the rhythm of the drums, the art that tells our stories, the parades that fill our streets, and the people who bring it all to life.

For the Culture is a reminder that everything we do, from the way we celebrate to the way we show up for one another, is part of something bigger. It is a salute to our traditions, a celebration of our talent, and a call to keep creating, performing, and representing Bermuda with pride. At its heart, our culture also carries a quiet strength and a pursuit of peace, reminding us that unity and understanding are part of our heritage too. This Heritage Month, we celebrate for our ancestors, for our people, and for the future. This one is for the culture.

Heritage Month Events
For the full calendar, click Here. 

Bermuda Day 2026:

Click here to visit the Bermuda Day Parade information page.