While some of us may dream of a white Christmas, there is a lot to be said for making the holidays a time to leave behind the cold and the snow, and trade it for warm weather, sunny blue skies, and the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences that only a sub-tropical island like Bermuda can offer.
The holiday season starts early in Bermuda with a flurry of events to get locals and vacationers alike into the spirit. On November 23, the city of Hamilton kicks off festivities with the Lighting of the Tree ceremony at City Hall. The mayor presides over the visual delight with local school children performing Christmas carols.
The annual Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout, December 7 in St. George’s, has historical re-enactors roam the candle-lit streets amid the sounds of carols. (CONTRIBUTED)
Not to be outdone, the historic Town of St. George, founded in 1612, continues its tradition of the Lighting of the Town on November 24, illuminating the narrow cobblestone streets and stone architecture. The walled town is filled with festive entertainment, dancing and singing.
Then on November 25, the Santa Claus parade winds its way through the streets of Hamilton, featuring live bands, dance performances, and St. Nicholas accompanied by the Gombeys. The Gombeys are the iconic troupes of masquerade performers, drummers and dancers whose colourful costumes and ornate headdresses are a spectacle to behold as the unique Afro-Caribbean British sounds fill the air.
On December 2, Santa visits town again for a family friendly festive event filled with local dance performances, bouncy castles, and a chance for children of all ages to meet St. Nick and give him your wish list.
Article Continued Below
The annual Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout, December 7 in St. George’s, invites locals and visitors to explore the specially decorated homes in the UNESCO World Heritage site as historical re-enactors roam the candle-lit streets amid the sounds of carols, music, performances and businesses offer Christmas shopping and dining specials. Admission to all activities is free.
The biennial Bermuda Christmas Boat Parade on December 8 transforms Hamilton Harbour into a glittering, picturesque postcard as dozens of boats decorated with brilliant lights cruise the waters in a romantic scene.
On St. David’s Island, Carter House hosts a holiday celebration with the structure — one of Bermuda’s oldest homes, built in the 1640s — dressed for the occasion in period decor inside and out. Lucky participants will get a chance to see Father Christmas himself!
Christmas Eve services (December 24) are offered at many of Bermuda’s historic churches, all are welcome to attend. The Old Devonshire Church, built in 1624, offers a popular candlelight service every year. St. Peter’s Church — the oldest Anglican church in the Western hemisphere — still offers a traditional service of lessons and carols illuminated by candle light. Built in 1612, the church still has its communion silver from over 400 years after its first service.
On Christmas morning (December 25), you can celebrate in a joyful service at the Richard Allen AME Church with local families. Or, for a more modern, even decadent approach, join hundreds of Bermudians and fellow visitors on the pink sand of Elbow Beach, where they gather every year to take in the sunrise, toast the day, eat, drink and make merry, and go for a celebratory dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
On Boxing Day (December 26), the Gombeys put on a show to the sound of goatskin drums, beer-bottle fifes and tin whistles, showing off their spectacular costumes and ornate masquerade headgear as they turn the streets into a stage for dancing and celebration.
After resting up and taking in some of the sights and tastes of Bermuda, ring in the New Year in St. George’s, with the annual King’s Square event. Dine on local foods, enjoy live entertainment, and countdown to midnight with the annual onion drop — Bermuda’s answer to the New York City ball drop.
There’s no place like Bermuda for the holidays. Start exploring at gotobermuda.com.
/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/static_images/sponsoredsections/bermudaholiday/christmas.jpg)
0 Response to "Reimagine Christmas in Bermuda"
Post a Comment