Cup Match in Bermuda

Every year the Bermuda community enjoys a two day celebration of camping, boating, swimming and, most importantly, cricket.

But what exactly is the significance of Cup Match in Bermuda?

"In 1947 two official national public holidays were introduced and held annually on the Thursday and Friday closest to August 1. The first holiday, Cup Match, was renamed Emancipation Day in 1999 and continued the tradition of remembering the end of slavery. The second holiday, Somers Day, commemorated the arrival of Admiral Sir George Somers who colonized Bermuda in 1609. The two-day holiday became the annual two days of cricket for the cup – the Bermuda Cup Match.

"However, Cup Match is so much more than cricket. Emancipation Day and the emancipation of slavery symbolizes one of the most significant moments in Bermuda's history. Emancipation Day acknowledges a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today." (source: Bermuda Cup Match)