Hundreds of spectators lined Front Street yesterday afternoon to watch the traditional May 24 parade take over the streets of Hamilton in a spectacle of colour and energy.

Dozens of local associations from church groups to Girl Scout troupes, marching bands, hip-hop dancers, majorettes, stilt walkers and Gombey troupes marked the 25th anniversary of the parade with a three-hour long celebration reflecting Bermuda's cultural diversity.

Visitors and tourists lined the streets jostling for views of the 47 entries which paraded from the corner of Par-la-Ville Road onto Front Street before moving on to North Field at the National Stadium.

In keeping with the theme of “Bermuda Roots: Who We are Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” African dancers mixed with the Filipino Association dancers and Aming's carnival troupe was accompanied by unicyclists, clowns, and twirlers.

Parade-goers eagerly anticipated Monday's event with many marking off their spots on Front Street with tape and lawn chairs on Sunday night.

All of the spectators The Royal Gazette spoke with had only compliments for the people who created the floats and other entries.

Diana DeRoza, of the Sandys Community Centre was pleased to show off the maypole float created by the club, which won an award for the Best Community Organisation float.

“We wanted to participate to keep the community spirit alive and to encourage young people to learn more about their history,” she said.

Theresa Grant, who's daughter is a member of the Bermuda Regiment Band, comes out every year, rain or shine to watch the parade. “It's just the Bermuda thing to do,” she said. “We come every year.”

Laverne Philpott was pleased with the array of entries at this year's event. “It's excellent so far, people seem to have gone to a lot of trouble,” she said.

Visitors Lee Mills of Maryland, and Jean Brown of Delaware, timed their vacation so they would be on the Island to celebrate Bermuda Day.

“It's fantastic, it's wonderful,” said Mrs. Mills. “Our favourites are the Gombeys.”

Elise Johnston, a dancer with the Inter-Denominational Church Group called the “Saints Ablaze” was one of more than 30 dancers outfitted in red, yellow, and orange outfits to represent tongues of fire.

“We're here because the church has always been an important part of Bermuda and we hope to minister to people and spread the message of God,” she said.

Local artists and photographers were also on hand at the parade with their sketch-books and cameras. Artists Dan Dempster and Vernon Clarke make it a habit to watch the annual parade.

“It's fabulous,” said Mr. Clarke. “The colour, the music, the rhythm - the whole day is one that is not to be missed.”

Mr. Dempster said he also found the spectacle inspirational.

“There's lots to see,” he said. “This parade is all about people. It's fantastic to see so many people out and enjoying themselves.”

Spectator Edwin Trott said he had been out since early in the day to watch the May 24 sports races as well as the parade.

“This is our national heritage day,” he said. “It's a pleasure to see so many more entries this year and so many more people participating.”

Winning floats drew cheers of appreciation from the audience.

Gavin Smith's “Games We Used to Play” took home several awards including Most Original and Best Entry.

Prizes were also taken home by a number of other floats including CedarBridge Academy's “Sirus” and the BCCF float “Bermuda Alight to the World”.