Photo Set #1: Annual Bermuda Gombey Festival

September 14, 2014

The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs hosted the annual Gombey Festival on Saturday evening [Sept 13] at the Tennis Stadium, with the event designed to showcase one of the island’s most iconic and beloved traditions.

Speaking before the event, Minister of Community, Culture and Sports Wayne Scott said, “The Gombey Festival is held annually to celebrate Bermuda’s premier folk dancers, the Gombeys.

Gombey Festival Bermuda, September 13 2014-32

“This is a tradition of dance that has been passed down through the ages from generations of master Gombey dancers. This annual celebration of folk music and dance is important for the strengthening of our traditions and the Gombey Festival was started for this very reason.”

“During each festival, we take a moment to honour to an individual who has cultivated and strengthened the traditions of Gombey music and dance. This year the recognition goes to Mr. Gary Phillips.

Gombey Festival Bermuda, September 13 2014-7

“Through his lifetime, Mr. Phillips has demonstrated an intense admiration, respect and love for the Gombeys and no matter the various stages of his life, Mr. Phillips has been a dedicated mentor and champion for Bermuda’s Gombeys.”

Large crowds of people of the event, which saw the island’s Gombey troupes joined by visiting stilt walkers from St. Kitts. We will have additional coverage of the Festival later on, and in the meantime our first set of photos is below.

Click to enlarge photos:

Read More About

Category: All, Community, News, Photos

Comments (8)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. Coffee says:

    Thanks Bernews for showcasing Bermudian culture !

    • Kunta says:

      Excellent !!!!!!!!!!!!!
      One of de last traditions of AUTHENTIC Bermudian Culture that we have.
      Don’t forget your History and know your Destiny.

    • So bright says:

      Awesome

  2. Tania Stafford says:

    A fabulous evening – many thanks to the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs for bringing together these wonderful tradition bearers for the delight of residents and visitors.

    Plaice’s, Warners, Gombey Warriors and H & H Gombeys, thank you for passing the tradition to your many, many young members who performed with excellence and joy!

  3. Mr.Speaker says:

    This brings back days when they had it up Belmont.

Latest Tweets From ForeverBermuda.com