Paraders on form as streets lined for Bermuda Day
Front Street was packed today as residents came out in a spirit of togetherness to celebrate the island’s rich heritage.
Visitors and residents lined the streets of Hamilton as the annual Bermuda Day Parade made its way across the City before cheerful crowds.
The line-up this year listed more than 60 entrants, and the event fused tradition with forward thinking in line with the Heritage Month theme of “The Future Is Now”.
Owen Darrell, the culture minister, was delighted that the idea was reflected in the efforts of organisations taking part.
He said: “The future is now and I am so happy to see that all the participants in this parade have taken that theme. And just to see the floats and the work that they put into it is amazing.”
The parade made its way from Albuoy’s Point along Front Street, Court Street, Church Street and Cedar Avenue before cooling off at the junction of Marsh Folly Road and Dutton Avenue.
Veteran majorette Valerie Byron said the event today marked more than 20 years since she started taking part in the annual parade.
As her group of 15 dancers prepared on Par-la-Ville Road, she said: “We got a good bunch of girls here; we all work together, we are all happy that this day finally came.”
The group — the Ex-Artillery Elite Majorettes — have practised their routines over the past four months.
“We expect to woo the crowd,” Ms Byron said.
A contingent of eight dancers from The Berkeley Institute danced to soca music near by at the start of the parade route.
A short distance away, Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, and other senior police officers shared the legends and superstars sports cards that showcase the island’s exceptional athletes.
The officers were accompanied by members of the Bermuda Special Olympics team and other sportspeople.
The Hamilton Parish Community Hot Peppers, a majorettes and dance group, captured the crowd’s attention when they came on the scene, incorporating eye-catching techniques as the troupe moved along the route.
Doug Hoover and his wife, Elaine, a couple from Canada on their first trip to the island, looked on near by.
Mr Hoover said: “It’s very cool here, a light atmosphere. The music is good and people are super friendly.”
He said the couple were out on Front Street since earlier in the morning to view the Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby.
They planned to spend the afternoon at the parade before taking the ferry to Dockyard.
He added: “We have been around the whole island and everybody is very friendly, that’s the best part.”
King Charles III shared a message with the island for Bermuda Day through Government House.
He wrote to the Governor: “As you and the people of Bermuda celebrate the auspicious occasion of Bermuda Day, my wife and I have great pleasure in conveying our warmest congratulations to your Premier and to the people of Bermuda.
“I cherish greatly the strong ties between us and know that we will continue working together on important climate change and environmental issues.
“I have such fond memories of my visit to Bermuda 55 years ago and remain very proud to have opened Bermuda’s Parliament on the 350th anniversary.
“Throughout my visit I was struck by Bermuda’s stunning natural beauty and rich heritage.
“I am heartened by the valuable work being undertaken in Bermuda to combat climate change, including harnessing live corals for coastal protection, progressing the transition to renewable energy and community fundraising to establish the High Point Nature Reserve.
“My wife and I would like to take this opportunity to send our very best wishes for the year ahead.”
As the parade made its way along Front Street, members of the Bermuda Shrine Club — some of whom were dressed in animal costumes — offered candy to children and their parents along the sidewalk.
The group raises money for children in need of overseas medical assistance, as well as for Bermudian charities and helping agencies.
Alan Lugo, a past president of the club, said the group was “enjoying the atmosphere”.
The club had been participating in the parade for more than a decade.
As the midafternoon sun peeked out between clouds, dancers from the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda turned heads with a colourful display of dance techniques, to loud cheers.
Wearing yellow-and-black costumes and waving a variety of colourful folding fans, the all-female group swayed around in their dance routines to high-energy music in front of the VIP area.
Ryan De Jesus, the president of the association, said 30 dancers made up its contingent of performers.
He added: “It is going really good for us here at the parade; we practised for the past six weeks at about three times each week.
“We are happy to be out here.”
The Department of Culture showcased an impressive float that blended traditional artistry and innovation.
Its rotating model of a Gombey was split with a clear vinyl divider to represent the blurred lines between the physical and digital worlds.
The playful yet thoughtful work in its entirety reflected the push and pull between culture and technology.
Several Gombey troupes took part in the parade, featuring throughout the event as well as bringing it to its close.
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