Bermuda has been urged to remember the history behind the holiday as Cup Match festivities kick off.

The African Diaspora Heritage Trail Foundation said its members will join with representatives for the Friendly Society Association will issue a proclamation with a moment of silence at 9.30am tomorrow, just before the first ball of the Cup Match Classic.

A spokeswoman said: “The ADHT Foundation calls on the public to remember that this annual two-day holiday, dating back to 1902, honours the pivotal moment of emancipation that occurred throughout the British Empire in 1834, with special recognition of Mary Prince.

“Mary Prince was the enslaved African-Bermudian woman from Brackish Pond, Devonshire, who put Bermuda on the emancipation map with her testament being the first published narrative of an enslaved woman in the British colonies.

“This act of resistance played a significant role in the abolition of enslavement and emancipation of the enslaved throughout the British Empire.”

The organisation invited Bermudians and supporters to reflect on the “journey of liberation” and the spirit of resistance that defined the collective struggle for dignity and freedom.

“Today, the Cup Match stands as a powerful reminder of Bermuda's resilience, and Black Bermuda’s statement of collective worth and value,” the spokeswoman added.

“The ADHT Foundation invites Bermudians, visitors and guests, as a collective, to remember, reflect and recommit to the ongoing process of decolonising our bodies, minds, ideologies and institutions.”