In a tradition within a tradition, spectators for the Bermuda Day festivities have faithfully marked out their places well ahead of time along the pavements of Hamilton.

Marking sites along the Bermuda Day Parade and marathon routes is so culturally entrenched in Bermuda, it even got a song — in 2019, reggae artist Winston “Daddy Yella” Lambe celebrated it with Don’t Take My Spot.

City officials have acknowledged that marking sites along the route is a time-honoured practice — but have asked spectators to avoid any permanent markings, as well as to lay down tape closer to the big day.