StyleBermuda Cup Match Special Post Date: Tuesday July 20th 2010
Come join the celebration!
By Yanni DelvalleArguably, mid-summer is the most exciting time in Bermuda. Why? Ask almost any islander and they will undoubtedly answer, Cup Match! Virtually as important as Christmas, planning for the four-day holiday starts as early as May – do you know what you're wearing?
What's all the fuss about?
One of the only time's gambling isn't frowned upon, locals look forward to the Crown and Anchor table at Cup Match. A traditional English dice game, it's almost as popular as the game itself!
Here's how to play:
Crown and Anchor consists of three dice, each with a picture of an anchor, a diamond, a spade, a club and a heart on their faces instead of numbers.
A player can wager on one or more of the symbols represented on the table, and the dealer will throw all three dice. If the symbols that were bet on match the face of any of thrown dice, the player wins the bet. If there are no matches, the banker keeps all wagers.
BUT be forewarned because a player can expect to lose AT LEAST 7.9% each turn they play!
But as much as these four days are about being seen, we can't forget the origin. The first two days of August represent very important dates in Bermudian history.
August 1st is Emancipation Day in dedication of the Slavery Abolition Act, which was passed on the same day in 1834 and allowed the island's slaves to be free.
August 2nd is Somers Day, in honour of Admiral Sir George Somers, who, en route to the United States back in the 1600s, became the first victim of our treacherous coral reefs and eventually colonized our little island in 1609.
The festive game began officially in July 1902 between the St George's and Somerset cricket clubs. At the time, the game wasn't considered a legitimate holiday but it was so popular that is caused continuous absences from work. As a result, a two-day public holiday was introduced in 1947 and has been effective ever since. We are the only country that grinds to a complete halt for two days every summer to turn our attention to a sporting event.
So where does “Cup Match” come into play?
There's only one thing Bermudians take more seriously than having a good time – and that's our national sport, cricket.
The first two days of the holiday are spent rooting for either St George's or Somerset as the battle it out on the cricket pitch for the coveted Cup and bragging rights for the rest of the year.
Blue and blue or red and blue respectively, for weeks leading up to the game the sometimes fierce rivalry between St George's and Somerset supporters becomes apparent, with fans proudly wearing their colours and swapping memories of games past.
Cup Match is a time for families to be together, for eating and drinking, for pitching a tent in a park, on the beach or even the side of the road (really, the side of the road!), for barbeques or just to soak up the culture and the vibrant Bermudian atmosphere.
So pick a side and be prepared for one of the most action-packed holiday's you'll ever experience!
The Top 6 Events to go to for Cup Match Weekend
Bermudian's know a thing or two about comfort food, and the best time to find it is during Cup Match. Make sure you get to sample at least a few of the following:
Mussel & Beef Pies
Mussel pies are very unique to Bermuda; try one and you will undoubtedly go back for more.
Fish & Chips
Fresh Bermuda fish and French fries are an English classic with a Bermuda twist.
Peas & Rice w/ Fried Chicken or BBQ Ribs
This food is good for summer; always used for picnics and bbqs here in Bermuda.
Fish Cakes
Bermuda’s national dish all in one and fried, fish cakes are unbelievably good - especially between hot cross buns.
Fish Chowder
Also Bermuda’s national dish, fish chowder is best with a little sherry peppers and black rum
1. The Game at Somerset Cricket Club (July 29 &30) Go cheer and support your favourite team and if you don’t want to sit out in the hot sun all day, try your chances at wining some extra cash at the Crown & Anchor table – the only time gambling on the island is legal!
2. Beachfest (July 29) Anytime spent at the beach is fun, but you'll have a blast at Beachfest – from live music to football and volleyball, make sure you join the crowd at Horseshoe Bay for a real taste of the Bermudian beach experience.
3. Somers Day Celebration (July 30) Come to King’s Square and enjoy great food and events. When the sun sets, a dramatic fireworks display will light up the night sky.
4. Reggae vs. Soca (July 30) After the game on Friday, go to the self-proclaimed “Official Afterparty” at Snorkel Park and watch DJ’s battle over which music genre reigns supreme - Soca or Reggae?
5. Non-Mariners (August 1) A competition based as much on the “sea worthy-ness” of a craft as it is about the errant political messages, watch as entrants build their boats from scratch, this is the only time want to win because your boat sank first! At the end of the race, join the raft-up alongside dozens of other boats and spend the day in the water enjoying free music and great company.
6. Lift Your Voices (August 1) Take your family on a picnic and enjoy the soulful sound of live Gospel music at Victoria Park, for the City of Hamilton's Summer Sunday's in the Park.
