Bermuda
Bermuda
Capital city description
Hamilton is the capital of the British overseas territory of Bermuda. It lies on Main Island (Great Bermuda) in the western Atlantic Ocean, along the northern shore of a deepwater harbor. The capital is home to several interesting buildings, including the Anglican Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, established in 1894, and the Sessions House and Cabinet Building, the seat of government.
The City of Hamilton has those same great harbor views and a more energetic, cosmopolitan vibe than ever before. The city is home to many jewel-toned shops, restaurants, and museums.
Climate
Bermuda has a very mild temperature due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, but it is not a tropical paradise, at least in winter.
Annual rainfall is relatively abundant, around 1,400 millimeters (55 inches). The rains are reasonably evenly distributed over the seasons since the flow of weather fronts in winter is replaced by the tropical downpours of the summer months. The least drizzling months are April and May, while the rainiest month is October.
Languages spoken
The
primary language in Bermuda is Bermudian English.
Fun/Fascinating Facts
- Bermuda is home to many unique glow-in-the-dark worms. The Bermuda fireworm is already a remarkable creature during the day. It’s about 4cm long, red, and covered in tiny bristles that sting if you touch them.
- Bermuda is an archipelago made up of seven main islands and many smaller islets with an average width of one mile. It’s only 25 miles long and is two miles wide at its widest point.
- Bermuda is a snorkeling paradise with lots of stunning coral to explore; it is even possible to see up to 100 feet toward the sea bed where the coral meets the Atlantic ocean.
- Bermuda used to export a lot of onions, and we were famous for growing some of the best in the world. They were so prevalent that the US growers got wise and planted their onions, branding them as ‘Bermuda onions’ and selling them.
- Bermuda has more golf courses per capita than any other country globally.
Unique Customs/Traditions
- For most Bermudians and residents, Good Friday is a time for tradition. They build and fly Bermuda kites, make codfish and English-style hot cross buns, and spend time with family and friends. Bermuda kites have long cloth tails in different paper tissue, wood, and string colors. Some are enormous in exquisite patterns and require several men to get them airborne. Some are deliberately made to emit a humming or buzzing sound, with a hummer made from glued paper. Another variation of the Bermuda kite is the traditional Somerset brown paper kite.
- The famous Bermuda shorts, a legacy of the British Army's uniform, are worn by business people with jackets, ties, and knee socks. Otherwise, the dress is similar to in the United States or Britain, and there are few distinguishing features among classes.
- Bermudian marriage typically has large receptions following religious ceremonies. The traditional cake is three-tiered, with one layer for the bride, one for the groom, and one served to the guests. The cake is topped with a cedar sapling, which the couple then plants at their new home.
Popular universities
| Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Bermuda college | Bermuda College is the only post-secondary educational institution in Bermuda. It offers a variety of academic, technical, and professional courses in the Divisions of Applied Science & Technology, Business Administration & Hospitality, Liberal Arts, and the Center for Professional and Career Education. Programs lead to associate’s degrees, certificates or diplomas, a professional designation, and non-credit offerings for lifelong learners. Bermuda College has approximately 1350+ students. | |
Festivals & Events
Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts
Date: January and February
Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts is an annual event featuring theater, dancing, and concerts at venues across the islands every January and February. The long-running event is one of the cultural highlights of the Bermudan winter.
Bermuda Beach Art Festival
Date: March
The Bermuda Beach Art Festival is an island-wide sand art competition that provides a unique opportunity to see some beautiful creative beach art set on the country’s world-famous beaches.
The Bermuda Beach Art Festival was held on beaches across the island, with intricate patterns and works of art on display for all to see and enjoy. Each participating artist is encouraged to treat the island’s distinctive pink sands as their canvas.
Bermuda Day
Date: Last Friday of May
Bermuda Day is one of the most colorful events, with a large parade celebrated last Friday of May. Locals line the streets to enjoy a vibrant celebration beginning with a half-marathon derby followed by a colorful parade winding through Hamilton full of music, culture, and patriotic pride. Bermudans also traditionally use this day as a marker for the summer season by jumping into the sea.
Queen's Birthday
Date: June
Queen's Birthday was initially known as Empire Day. Queen's Birthday Parade Front Street hosts solemn pomp and pageantry in Hamilton when it celebrates Queen Elizabeth's Birthday in early June.
The Bermuda Regiment, police, and cadets join the parade and include military music.
Gombey Festival
Date: September
Held in September, the Gombey Festival is an annual, family-friendly event celebrating the very best in Gombey culture. It provides a platform for local Gombey troupes to perform and display their craft and is an exciting opportunity for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the dance, music, and costume of the Gombeys. This Afro-Caribbean style dance highlights the culture of Bermuda to a tee, with beautiful costumes and elaborate moves.
Attractions / Top Sights
Horseshoe Bay Beach
When to visit: June and July
Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in Bermuda. The expansive horseshoe-shaped beach is bordered by natural limestone cliffs and extensive reefs where snorkelers can explore the large variety of fish and sea life.
Its broad appeal makes Horseshoe Bay a must-see when visiting Bermuda, from small children to senior citizens. With an adjacent kiddy beach and its low tide, Horseshoe is an ideal place for the entire family.
Hamilton
When to visit: January to April
Hamilton is Bermuda's major tourist destination harbor. It features excellent dining, shopping, many museums and galleries, historical buildings, and picturesque streets lined with colorful houses overlooking the harbor.
Hamilton also houses several historical cathedrals dating from the 1800s, such as the Anglican Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, St. Paul's Church, and the Bermuda Capital Building.
St. George
When to visit: January to April
Situated on the island, St. George, listed on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest continuously-inhabited British town. It is home to several ancient museums, including Bermuda National Museum Trust, St. George Historical Society Museum, Bermudian Heritage Museum, and Tucker House Museum.
The most famous highlight in St. George is the stunning Tobacco Bay Beach. It's well known for its limestone rock formations and shallow clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
St. Peter's Church
When to visit: January to April
Established in 1612, St. Peter's Church is the ancientest Anglican church in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the town of St. George.
The hand-carved altar, comprised of red cedar, is one of Bermuda's oldest pieces of woodwork. Inside is 18th-century throne recovered from a shipwreck and communion silver from the 1600s.
Royal Naval Dockyard
When to visit: January to April
At Sandy's Parish's western end, Royal Naval Dockyard is home to a major cruise ship harbor. It houses the well-curated National Bermuda Museum set within the body of the fort.
It comprises an array of experiences, including shopping, dining, craft studios, and entertainment, all housed in naval buildings from the 18th century.
St. George's Island
When to visit: March and April
St. George's Island is one of the central islands of the territory of Bermuda. It is one of the six principal islands of Bermuda. The island covers 703 acres (284.5 hectares). It lies within St. George's Parish at the East End of the archipelago.
The outstanding, fully restored Fort St. Catherine on the northeastern tip of St. George houses a museum displaying a gallery of dioramas portraying Bermuda's rich history. It displays firearms and replicas of the Crown Jewels of Great Britain.
National Museum of Bermuda
When to visit: January to April
The National Museum of Bermuda has a robust collection of artifacts and exhibits that delve into Bermuda's maritime history. The naval museum is found within the grounds of the fortress Keep of the former Royal Naval Dockyard in Sandys Parish on Ireland Island at the western end of Bermuda.
Guests can learn about shipwrecks, battles, and more in eight historic exhibit buildings—the fort display seven bastions and ramparts built to guard the entire naval base.
Crystal & Fantasy Caves
When to visit: January to April
Crystal & Fantasy Caves are Bermuda’s most visited tourist spots. Deep, clear underground pools of azure blue water. Unique formations of every size and shape imaginable.
Cave ceilings are illuminated with rare chandelier clusters and delicate crystallized soda straws. Each cave is uniquely stunning and is a new adventure to discover.