Almost 70 Entries In Bermuda Day Parade
There are close to 70 entries in the upcoming Bermuda Day parade, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Patrice Minors said this afternoon [May 21].
The parade will begin at 1.30pm at Bernard’s Park, and will move along Dutton Avenue, on to Marsh Folly Road and continue right through to the top of Cedar Avenue. The route will then follow a turn left on Church Street, followed by a right turn on to Court Street. The parade will then move along Front Street, up Queen Street and conclude at City Hall Car Park with final performances.
Groups in the parade include Bermuda Longriders, Bermuda Regiment, Somerset Brigade Band, H & H Gombeys, Ex-Artillery Elite Majorettes, Roots Gombeys, Bermuda Squad, No Limit Star Crew, Vasco Da Gama Club, T. N. Tatem Steelpan, Split Personality Dance Group, Sandys Middle School Showtime Drumline, Richardson Gombeys, Graffitti Dance Crew, Krazed Ego Dance Group, PCC Majorettes, Dragon Girl Dancers, PHC Majorettes and Drum Corp, Chewstick, St. George’s Original Dancerettes, Places New Generation Gombeys, various floats and much more.
“It is important to remember that the unique legacy of our heritage has helped shape Bermuda into the successful Country it is today, and we want everyone to embrace it and be a part of this upcoming Bermuda Day holiday, because it’s a celebration of us as a people,” said Minister Minors.
Minister Minors full statement follows below:
Good afternoon,
Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to be joined by some of our participants for the May 24th Parade.
Historically, the Bermuda Day festivities are a time when we come together to celebrate our heritage, our culture and one another.
Bermuda is truly a Country rich in customs – from our homemade kites and Cod Fish Cakes on Good Friday, to our energetic Gombey Dancers – ours is an Island built upon a strong foundation of lasting traditions that we can be proud of.
It’s said that cultural heritage is defined as traditions, beliefs, or a way of life practiced by a group of people and passed on from generation to generation. It’s the traditions and beliefs chosen by our ancestors and passed on down the family tree through birth.
Even if you were never taught these traditions and beliefs or choose not to participate them they are still part of us and so it is fitting that we pause during this year to celebrate our economic roots, our theme – “Celebrating Hospitality Through the Ages”.
Our tourism history is a key part of what makes our Country unique.
The hospitality industry, for at least five decades, has played a critical role as the primary industry for Bermudians and residents alike.
Tourism is still a key employer and it is one of the important contributors to our economy.
Over the past 50 years, Bermuda has carved out its own niche in the global tourism industry.
We have often been called the Jewel of the Atlantic, because of our breathtaking beauty.
But our biggest asset is the charm, talent, passion, kindness and hospitality our people.
For decades the workers in this service industry have defined our tourism product over the years.
For these reasons Heritage Month has focused on the hospitality industry, not only to remind us of its relevance and importance but to also celebrate that which we must surely be proud of.
Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t know about you, but I am very much looking forward to Thursday. For my part, before I immerse myself in the sights and sounds of the parade, I will actually start my day by running in the Bermuda Day Marathon.
And if I am still standing at the end of it, I plan on joining thousands of residents and visitors in watching the biggest cultural event that we have on our calendar – the Bermuda Day Parade.
Now I just want to take just a few moments to outline our parade route for you.
This year we are very pleased to once again have a full line up of participants.
There close to 70 entries, that includes Gombey troupes, majorettes, floats, dance groups, marching bands, music trucks and more.
The parade will begin at 1.30 p.m. and again this year, our starting point will be Bernard’s Park.
From there the parade will move along Dutton Avenue, on to Marsh Folly Road and continue right through to the top of Cedar Avenue.
The route will then follow a turn left on Church Street, followed by a right turn on to Court Street.
The parade will then move along Front Street, up Queen Street and conclude at the City Hall Car Park where there will be final performances.
We know that there are some members of our community who may not be able to make it to the parade on Thursday.
However I want to assure them that they won’t miss out on any of the action, because we will be bring you live coverage via the Government television station CITV.
Coverage starts at 1.30 p.m. and residents can watch start to finish coverage of all of the excitement.
CITV can be found on CableVision ch. 2 and WOW ch. 102.
Finally ladies and gentlemen, it is important to remember that the unique legacy of our heritage has helped shape Bermuda into the successful Country it is today, and we want everyone to embrace it and be a part of this upcoming Bermuda Day holiday, because it’s a celebration of us as a people.
Lastly, I realize that an event of this magnitude is a tremendous undertaking, and there are numerous organisations that have spent countless weeks, days and hours ensuring its success.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Mrs. Heather Whalen and Mrs. Louise Tannock and our team at the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, the Bermuda Day Committee, our stakeholder partners and all of our parade marshals and participants who have dedicated their time and effort to bring you the 2012 Bermuda Day Parade.
On behalf of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, whether you will be at the parade dancing in the streets, enjoying the beach, or spending the day with family and friends, I want to take this opportunity to extend to you best wishes for a safe and fun filled Bermuda Day holiday.
Thank you.
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Hello minister Patrice minors, I am a bermudian away in London in school and I see all the plans for the parade.. So I was just wondering is there anyway that I can watch the parade from over here in London? Really would like to see it.. I have some friends over here that would like to see a traditional Bermuda day with the majorettes and gombeys..l So if I can get a link or something so that I can enjoy my Bermuda day that will be great! Thanks, hoping to hear from you soon…
We plan to live stream both the race and parade again like we did last year, but are reliant on a mobile connection so its always a bit hit-or-miss…but hopefully it will work out fine…
Bernews.
Haha..Rain stopped play.
How are 70 entries going to fit into City Hall car park! Well done Bermuda.
for real how tho
Ok, now is the practice of marking out spaces days ahead of time going to be addressed? This evening’s talk show even mentioned seniors even being ordered to move from a spot they had secured once for some inconsiderate family(ies) who claim rights to designated spots for years. As well as people “fighting” for spots.
Please, may the Corporation of Hamilton carefully monitor this practice – if they can enforce their parking patrols, then I think they can make sure the public have a fair and peaceful opportunity to sit for the day where they choose without being harassed by “squatter rights” (as it was called).
Suggestion: maybe blocks of spaces can be pre-booked at the Corporation office, and the day before those spots will have their “permit” displayed or marked (not with spray paint or permenantly marking the areas), but by the Corporation. Then this way, like with cup match spots and campsites, there should be no issues – but still have Corporation patrols to keep thing in order (either Corporation and/or Reserve Police). Also, keep some open space blocks for people to come as desired on the day – from the morning race through the parade that -cannot be claimed until the morning 6 am for the race.
Any funds collected for these permits can be used to either donate to charities or future Bermuda Day expenses (like keeping those bathrooms modern, operable, clean and fresh! And not leaky, broken, and undesirable -Compare Coopers new restrooms as a template).
Good job with more entries of floats, groups, hopefully carnival style atmosphere of yester-year like old Bermuda.
Happy Bermuda Day 2012!
@WinterSun,,,,after venting below about past negative experiencesm I read your post and I have to say I think it is a great idea.
Yea and when this happens, you gonna be the first person complaining that the corporation is always looking for a buck….cant please everyone!!!!
minister minors will you be given thos same ministry when you lose in C 10 and are brought through the Senate
The drama I encountered by people that unlawfully claimg a spot as their own and then argueing with the public when they show up late and want everyone to move because they “marked” their area the night before, was enoough to make me keep my family far away from that May 24 parade. Each year we hear the same complaints, we hear the same community messages, followed by the same abuses by the same people and no enforcement of the rules. I don’t expect we will see a change this year, not in an election year. so, there will likely be more drama, more fights and more bad attitudes. I think I will bas until we learnd to act as people not animals.
Yes, There are Bermudians residing overseas whether work, school or just vacationing during the Bermuda Day celebrations. Would love to watch ONLINE STREAMING from somewhere on the route.
One of the most exciting holidays back home other than Cup Match!
Enjoy BERMUDA DAY ALL!!!
Why must I and all other entries walk up that hill on Cedar Ave? Why not divert the rounte from Church St to Victoria then to Court St? Makes more sense to me.
lol 70 entries…and every year the Philippinos are the best ones. Forget these boring a$$ locals. call it 69 entries- 69 of the most untalented mofos the world has to offer. Well done bda; i can sleep at night knowing there will be 69 entries, boring commentary and walking majorettes and loud arrogant bermudians. Comments beneath me won’t get a response. Yes unfortunately I am Bermudian. No i am not proud. Yes. Deport me with the rest of the foreigners you hate. But when we leave. Aint sh*t gonna get done. so f*@k outa here in advanced. Look for me again cupmatch time.