by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Brendan Kownacki
Put your rum on standby until you can make the trip, then head to Bermuda……the British island territory in the North Atlantic known for its distinctive blend of British and American culture, its pink-sand beaches and the island retreat of actor Michael Douglas and actress Catherine Zeta-Jones.
A cadre of diplomatic supporters and guests gathered on the rooftop of The Graham Hotel located in the heart of historic Georgetown for Bermuda Day – the equation of warm sun and cold drinks that any good summer holiday calls for.
“Bermuda Day is our national holiday, and in Bermuda we refer to it locally as the 24th of May” said Cheryl Packwood, Overseas Representative and Director of the Washington, DC Office at The Government of Bermuda. The holiday was once called Empire Day and celebrated Queen Victoria’s birthday, before being transitioned to being called Commonwealth Day in 1966.
Cheryl Packwood
Bermuda Day is typically marked by a parade, a marathon and of course a first swim to welcome in the warmer months after winter’s departure. “We have picnics, boating and much, much more” Packwood added. “The month of May has become heritage month since the 1980s and May 24th or Bermuda Day is the culmination of all our pride and joy and we celebrate what it means to be Bermudian.”
She emphasized that Bermudian culture is a melting pot of national heritage including African, Portuguese, British, Indian and many more nationalities that have blended to become the Bermudian identity.
Luckily, in June, direct flight service from Reagan National Airport to Bermuda will begin making summer getaways an easy jaunt. “There’s really a renewed sense of energy and pride and spirit about the island,” said Victoria Isley, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at the Bermuda Tourism Authority. She teased the crowd with descriptions of food and fun and just why Bermuda is a must-see locale for someone on the hunt for an escape. “We really invite you to come explore the island with us.”
Victoria Isley
Isley also highlighted that Bermuda will be the host of the upcoming America’s Cup Sailing Competition and noted that Team Oracle, the American team, has already relocated to a base in Bermuda to begin training.
The rooftop celebration was full of authentic cocktails like Dark ‘n’ Stormys, fish fritters and fried shrimp and all the trappings of what you need to kick off a summer celebration.
