The theme of this year’s Heritage Month is Bermudian Excellence.

The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs said the theme was fitting for the 40th anniversary of the Bermuda Day Parade.

Lovitta Foggo, Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport, said: “In 1979, following the recommendations of the Pitt Report, Bermuda celebrated its first Bermuda Day which united the community and provided a source of national pride.

“In 2019, we celebrate 40 years of half-marathon excitement, dinghy racing and parades with creative floats, vibrant dancers, and Bermudians from across the island camping out, celebrating, and reflecting on our diverse cultural heritage — 40 years of Bermudian Excellence!”

Float categories for this year’s Bermuda Day are: Natural Heritage Floats; Upcycled Floats; Art Floats; Music Truck Entry; Walking Group Entry; and Gombey Entry. Ms Foggo added: “The fundamental strength of Bermuda’s culture is our people, our friendliness, our hospitality, our good humour, and the way people from a small island still manage to excel on an international stage.

“The history and legacy of Heritage Month’s creation is complicated and uncomfortable, but out of the discomfort, we have created Bermudian beauty, traditions, creativity, culture, and excellence, a community that we can rightly be proud of.”

Application forms can be collected at the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs on the fourth floor of the Dame Lois Browne Evans Building. This year, for the first time, the forms can be completed digitally by via: http://communityandculture.bm/pages/heritage-month.

• Forms should be completed by April 19, 2019. Late submissions will not be considered. For information, forms and details about participant meetings, visit the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Bermuda Day page at: http://communityandculture.bm/pages/bermuda-day