Video: Bermuda Onion Drops To Welcome 2014

[Updated with video] With the clock counting down to the end of 2013, the traditional Bermuda onion is up in St George’s and ready to drop at the stroke of midnight.

St. George’s is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve party, which includes a host of local entertainment, food vendors, kiddie activities, a countdown by Mayor Rothwell, fireworks and of course the onion drop.

The onion drop is a Bermudian twist on the traditional New Year’s countdowns. New York is known for its apple drop, Florida has been known to drop a giant tangerine, while the state of Georgia drops a peach.

Introduced to the island in the 1600s, onions quickly became Bermuda’s major export crop, and by the middle of the 19th century Bermudians became known as “onions” and Bermuda itself was referred to as the “Onion Patch”.

By the end of 19th century the island was known as a major source of onions, however farmers in Texas started calling their onions “Bermuda Onions” to sell them easily.

The Bermuda Trade Development Board tried desperately to curb the trend by sending postcards to their overseas buyers that stated: “It is the flavour of a genuine ‘Bermuda’ that is so different.

“Maybe it is the sunshine and sea breezes down in beautiful Bermuda or some magic in the soil that is responsible, but whatever it is the flavor tells the difference immediately.

“Be careful then to always look for the crate. See that it is marked ‘from Bermuda Islands’ and you’ll know you are getting the real thing.”

But it was an exercise in futility. The era of Bermuda farmers exporting onions came to an end, however the nickname endures.

Update 12.29am: A quick video of the Onion dropping

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