Bermuda Holidays 2015

Bermuda Public Holidays are the days on which all public services are suspended except emergency services. Ten days are designated as Bermuda Public Holidays. If any of these days fall on Sundays which are already Bermuda Public Holidays under the Public Holidays Act 1947, then those Bermuda Public Holidays are rescheduled to the next day.

The following is a complete list of the Bermuda Public Holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Good Friday
• Bermuda Day
• Queen’s Birthday
• Emancipation Day
• Somer’s Day
• Labour Day
• Remembrance Day
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day

The Bermuda Public Holidays which are unique to the isles are :

Bermuda Day – previously Victoria Day (after Queen Victoria), later celebrated as Empire Day, Commonwealth Day, and Heritage Day. It falls on May 24 and is a day of great festivities.

Queen’s Birthday – It is the official birthday of the Queen of England, Elizabeth I, and falls in June. There are colorful parades and the official salute is accepted by the Governor as a representative of the Queen. The Queen’s Birthday Honors are announced and often Knighthoods, CBEs, and OBEs are bestowed.

Emancipation Day – so named to commemorate the official abolition of slavery, the cricket match began officially in July 1902 between the St. George’s Cricket Club in the east end and the Somerset Cricket Club in the west end. The 100th anniversary of the Cup Match fell on August 2002. It is the first day of the two-day cup matches, and this festival is a unique token of the Bermudian love of leisure and cricket.

Somer’s Day – named after the founding family of the Bermuda colony, it is the 2 nd day of the cup match.

Labour Day – all the unions including the Bermuda Industrial Union always have or sponsor speeches, festivities, road races, and games on this day. It became additionally important after the win of the labor government in November 1998.

Remembrance Day – Bermuda’s War Veterans are honored on this day at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. There is a solemn parade and a silence observed in honor of the fallen martyrs.

All other holidays are observed just as they are done throughout the world. Visitors to the Bermudas should be aware that the following services are closed during the Bermuda public holidays :

• All Government Offices – administrative or service, including Post Offices,
• Shops, stores & businesses,
• Garbage removal services,
• Local newspapers do not publish print versions on public holidays.
• Most local restaurants (not at hotels) and all shops.
• Buses and ferries are on a much-reduced Sunday schedule.
• Many taxis do not operate.

Bermuda Public Holidays are a time to celebrate for all in Bermuda.