Emancipation Commemoration Events 2021

11 July, 2021

The Department of Culture outlined a series of events being held this month in the lead up to the Emancipation, Mary Prince and Cup Match Holiday.

As is tradition, each year, the Department of Culture hosts and sponsors a number of activities during the month of July and August to commemorate Bermuda’s emancipation.

Last year, unfortunately due to the pandemic, the events were hosted virtually. However this year, the Department of Culture is pleased to be able to feature in-person events for the benefit of the public.

The theme of this year’s Emancipation commemoration is - “Resilience of the African Spirit”. And this year, the Department of Culture has partnered with Jumuiya ya Afrika Bermuda, the Department of Libraries and Archives, Treasures of Bermuda Tours, Titan Express, and the Bermuda Friendly Societies Association as a sponsor of these events which speak to this year’s theme.

Activities include lectures, historical bus tours, wellness demonstrations, Friendly Society tours, and other creative offerings to honour Emancipation Day, Mary Prince Day and the Cup Match Holiday.

This year’s signature event takes place on July 23, at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

Entitled “Resilience of the African Spirit”, the limited in-person showcase and will explore the heritage and artistry of Africa, which is reflected in the threads that connect Bermuda and other cultures of the Diaspora with the continent. The public will be treated to a display of music, clothing and the culinary traditions that highlight the resilience of the African spirit.

Today the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. Ernest Peets said, “Emancipation Day is traditionally observed on the first day of the Cup Match holiday, and for the second year, we will also celebrate a day named for one of Bermuda’s National Heroes – Mary Prince. We are also very excited to celebrate the return of Cup Match after a one year absence due to the pandemic.

“As it relates to our Emancipation observances, the Government in partnership with a number of our community partners have worked to put together a month long programme of insightful, probing and engaging activities and events that will explore our culture, heritage and African links.”

The Department of Culture advised that there is a modest cost associated with some of the activities taking place in support of the tour operators, however there are some events that are also free to the public. Additionally some of the events will be streamed live, filmed and aired at a later date so that the public can have the benefit of viewing some of the Emancipation activities.

For more info email: culture@gov.bm.

The full line up of Emancipation Day, Mary Prince Day and Cup Match events are as follows:

Thursday 15 July

Titan Express presents: “Mary Prince Legacy Bus Tour”

Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Departs Visitor Service Centre, Hamilton

Cost: $35
Details: Purchase tickets online at www.titantoursbermuda.com
Sponsored by the Department of Culture

Saturday 17 July and Thursday 22 July
Treasures of Bermuda Tours presents: “Exploring Bermuda’s Black Mecca”

Speaker: Charles Jeffers and Maxine Esdaille
Time: 9 am (July 17) and 5:30 pm (July 22)
Location: Princess Street to Union Street

Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and students

Details: Call/WhatsApp 504-7749 to purchase tickets

Sponsored by Department of Culture and Department of Libraries and Archives

Sunday 18 July

Tanaya Presents: “Family Open Mic Brunch: Resilience of the African Spirit”
Time: 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Location: TBD

Cost: $30
Details: For tickets or more information, call or email 537-6293 or tanayapresents@gmail.com

Emancipation Commemoration Events 2021

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