Bermuda kite

Building the frame

Flat wooden sticks are fastened at a central nail, spreading outward like wheel spokes to form a frame with six, eight, or more sides. Strings run around the tips of the wood to outline the outer border, while inner concentric cords add firmness to the structure. A specialized head stick attaches to the central point and tilts slightly upward, reaching past the main frame. Cords stretch from the adjacent corners to this protruding stick to make a triangular crest, lined with folded paper.

Colours and flight

Bright tissue paper is glued into the open sections between the strings and wooden sticks. By using different shades, makers form striking geometric arrangements across the face of the kite. To ensure the piece stays stable in the breeze, a long tail made of cloth strips is attached, without which the kite cannot take off. These kites fly remarkably well, and their aerodynamic design has earned world records for both flight duration and the heights reached in the air.

The Easter gathering

Kite flying in Bermuda is linked specifically to the Easter season. On Good Friday, islanders of every generation go outdoors to fly their creations together. While modern plastic kites purchased in shops have become more common in recent years, traditional handmade designs remain central to the day. Beyond an enjoyable pastime, sending the kites upward carries deep spiritual meaning across Bermuda, where the rising flight serves as an emblem of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

How Bermuda kite is kept

On Good Friday, Bermudians of all generations take their kites outdoors. Makers prepare by gluing colourful tissue paper over multi-sided wooden frames with concentric string supports and attaching long cloth tails. Participants then launch these creations into the open air. The sky fills with traditional geometric kites alongside modern store-bought plastic versions, creating an airborne celebration that marks the Easter holiday.

When and where

This custom takes place annually during the Easter season. While the kites belong to Easter traditions on the island, Bermudians specifically gather to fly them on Good Friday.

The kite flying custom belongs to Bermuda, where people across the island gather in open areas on Good Friday to send their creations into the sky.

What Bermuda kite means

In Bermudian tradition, sending kites high into the air on Good Friday carries a distinct religious meaning. The rising motion of the kites serves to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ, linking the craft and play of kite flying directly to the core themes of the Easter observance.

Days Bermuda kite is marked

Questions people ask about Bermuda kite

See also

PowwowA communal gathering of dancing, singing and fellowship across Native North AmericaBarn raisingA communal tradition where neighbours assemble to erect a farm barn in a few daysSouth Asian truck artThe craft of painting and adorning cargo trucks and buses across India and Pakistan.Kolhapuri chappalHandcrafted braided leather slip-on sandals from western India

Good reading and sources

• Bermuda kite on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.