Hashtag: #CupMatchHistory

Burchall On The History Behind Cup Match

Burchall On The History Behind Cup Match

[Written by Larry Burchall] Bermuda’s Cup Match holiday is an historic occasion of global importance because it represents, in a sense, the world’s longest strike. That first labour withdrawal happened on 1st August 1835. Exactly one year after Emancipation Day 1834. On 1st August 1835, as far as is known, thousands of Bermuda’s ex-slaves, now... Read more of this article

25 Cup Match Cricket Classic Facts

25 Cup Match Cricket Classic Facts

In the late 1880’s it was a common practice to hold a cricket match during the Emancipation Day celebrations. The informal game grew into the official Cup Match Classic that we know today. Below follows 25 facts about the Classic: The first formal game was played on June 12,1902 and St. George’s won by 7 wickets The first draw was in 1907 The... Read more of this article

Col. Burch: Emancipation, 21st Century Version

Col. Burch: Emancipation, 21st Century Version

[Opinion piece written by Lt. Col. David Burch] The enduring nature of the holiday we call Emancipation Day is proof of just how important an event it really was. In a very British fashion no war accompanied the freedom of the slaves in the Colonies. In some cases it took months for news of the Proclamation granting slaves their freedom to reach... Read more of this article

Cup Match: History Behind The Holiday

Cup Match: History Behind The Holiday

[Written by Larry Burchall] Cup Match began as a day off to celebrate Emancipation Day 1st August 1834, the day when all slaves in Bermuda were freed. One year on ex-slaves who were now employed as paid workers simply did not turn up for work on 1st August 1835. They stayed off work and celebrated. Amongst black ex-slave Bermudians, the practice of... Read more of this article