Traditions of Hamilton
The capital of Bermuda, famed for Gombey dancers, kite flying on Good Friday and the fish chowder with sherry peppers.
Hamilton is a small port city in Bermuda, with pastel buildings and a mix of British and African heritage. The Gombey dancers, with masks, capes and drums, perform on holidays, and on Good Friday, Bermudians fly kites as the island's Easter tradition. Cup Match, a cricket match each summer, is a public holiday.
Gombeys and Good Friday kites
Gombey troupes dance with whips and drums in flamboyant costume of mirrors and feathers, in a tradition blending African, Native American and British influences. On Good Friday, families fly large homemade kites in the shape of crosses, with hot cross buns and codfish cakes picnic. Cup Match is an August cricket festival.
At the table
Bermuda fish chowder, thick and spicy with dark rum and sherry peppers, is the national dish. Codfish and potatoes, a Sunday breakfast, hoppin' John, and the Dark 'n' Stormy cocktail are local. Loquat jam and Bermuda onion are eaten. Hot cross buns are baked for Easter.
Signature traditions of Hamilton
Also part of it, and being written: Gombey dancers (The dancers.), Bermuda fish chowder (The soup.), Dark 'n' Stormy (The cocktail.).
A trail idea for Hamilton
- Front Street Stroll the harbour.
- Fort Hamilton See the view.
- Bermuda National Gallery See art.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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