David Burt urged people to enjoy the “melting pot of traditions” in a Bermuda Day message.

The Premier’s message, included in a Bermuda Day booklet, reads as follows:

Greetings and welcome. Bermuda Day is one of my favourite Bermuda holidays.

There are so many reasons to love Bermuda Day, from the intricately-designed parade floats, the show of physical strength and determination during the half-marathon race, and the hypnotic beat of the Gombey drum — there is something for everyone.

But the best thing about Bermuda Day is that it highlights the culture we have in common, something which is captured in this year’s theme, What We Share.

There really is no other place on earth like Bermuda. We are a melting pot of traditions and we all share the same welcoming and generous nature, and at no time is this more apparent than on Bermuda Day.

If you get thirsty or hungry along the parade route, there will always be someone to offer you shade and refreshment. I am always struck with a profound sense of pride when I hear a Bermudian explaining the history of the parade to a tourist, or sharing with them memories of parades gone by.

Indeed, the parade is something that I grew up watching as a little boy, and now something I can share with my children. Having that continuation of tradition through the generations is truly special.

There aren’t many parades around the world where people will set up camp on the side of the road the night before to ensure a good viewing spot!

On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I wish everyone a Happy Bermuda Day. Have a happy, safe holiday.

• To view the Bermuda Day booklet in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”