A Bermudian icon is set to be celebrated later this month in St David’s — the Bermuda Onion.

The event, organised by the St David’s Island Historical Society, will give attendees a look and taste of Bermuda’s past with traditional food and tours through the preserved Carter House.

Rick Spurling of the St David’s Island Historical Society said the event began after the organisation decided they wanted to do something for Heritage Month.

“It was Larry Mills, who built our Settlers Dwelling in 2012, who suggested Onion Day to celebrate the infamous Bermuda Onion, which was exported for years until competition from a similar onion in Texas put us out of business,” he said.

“It’s also to celebrate Bermudians who are known as ‘onions’.

“Onions are harvested in May each year which enables us to have lots of donated onions which we sell. We have the ‘biggest onion’ contest and hope to have an onion-eating contest for which we have a trophy — but it is not that easy to get at least two willing participants.”

Several St David’s staples will be available for purchase, including onion soup, Gary Lamb’s fish chowder and a range of onion products and pulled “hog” sandwiches.

Meanwhile, Mr Spurling will be on-scene with Mr Mills and traditional doll maker Ronnie Chameau, all dressed in period costume and ready to answer questions.

“We ask Bermudians to come and celebrate their Heritage and visitors to come and learn a little about St David’s and Bermudian culture — the Bermuda Onion — and the largely unknown, fascinating yet un-presented (except at Carter House) history of St David’s.”

Onion Day will take place on May 27 at Carter House in St David’s, with festivities beginning at noon and continuing until 4pm.