The themes for this year's Heritage Month and Bermuda Day were announced at a press conference yesterday by Minister of Community Affairs Randy Horton.

"The theme for Heritage Month is `Traditions in our Community', and the theme for Bermuda Day is `Traditions of Land, Sea & Air,'" he said.

"This year the Department of Cultural Affairs is planning a month of activities featuring the theme," he continued. "There will be Performing Arts Festivals including dance, choral, piano and instrumental performances.

"Other activities being planned include a photographic exhibition, round-table discussions, and a debate by senior students. The debate teams will be selected by the Debate Society.

"And, of course, the department is planning the Bermuda Day parade, which will highlight the theme for that day, `Traditions of Land, Sea and Air,'" he said.

Beginning in March the Department of Cultural Affairs will hold a series of four meetings for participants and four meetings for float builders.

Meetings for parade participants will focus on items such as parade rules, the route, and working with parade officials. Meetings for float builders will be available to offer information and advice on using natural materials to build floats.

A series of meetings will also be held in April for vendors, the Minister said. These will cover health matters, layout of stalls, set-up times, pricing and sale of goods etc.

"The parade will culminate at the North Field fo the National Sports Centre," said Mr. Horton.

"This year the Bermuda Day parade will take place on Monday, May 26, as this is the official date for the Bermuda Day holiday.

"Through Heritage Month, the Bermuda Day parade, the Annual Bermuda Day Marathon and other Bermuda Day activities, we celebrate the diversity of our culture and hav a chance to rediscover the varied roots and customs which make us unique.

"It is with pride and pleasure that the Ministry of Community Affairs provides this forum for voices to be heard and experiences to be conveyed."