Bermuda is highlighting more than 400 years of history and rich culture this winter season with the debut of the 2011-2012 “Bermuda Rendezvous Activities” program.
Organized by the Bermuda Department of Tourism in conjunction with the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs, the program invites visitors to experience the island’s distinct culture, arts and entertainment through a variety of activities, the majority of which are free unless otherwise indicated.
Activities range from performances by Bermuda’s famed and colorful Gombey dancers to glass-blowing demonstrations, cooking demonstrations and historic tours of the Royal Navy Dockyard, Hamilton and the town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Bermuda Rendezvous Activities program runs through March 31, 2012 and free highlights include:
Guided Walking Tour of City of Hamilton: Starting at 10 a.m. every Monday, a knowledgeable tour guide will showcase some of Bermuda’s most historic sites, such as the Bermuda National Library and Fort Hamilton.
Botanical Gardens Tour: Home to 15 permanent collections, including sub-tropical fruit groves, cedar and banyan trees as well as a sensory garden, visitors are invited to tour the 36-acre gardens at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Camden, the official residence of the Premier, is also located within the gardens and is only open to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Bermuda Gombey Revue: Each Tuesday at 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy a fun folk art event featuring the music and dancing of Bermuda’s famed Gombeys. The event takes place in the city of Hamilton.
Bermuda Cookery Demonstrations: Bermudian cuisine is a ‘melting pot’ of ethnic influences, and Bermudian chef Cheryl Kerr shares local flavors during this event, which takes place in the city of Hamilton every Wednesday from 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Old Town Tour & Historical Re-Enactment: Starting at 10:30 a.m., history buffs can enjoy a guided tour through the historic town of St. George every Monday through Thursday and Saturday. After the tour, the mayor will greet visitors at the Town Hall, and in November, these activities will be followed by a light-hearted historical re-enactment of public punishment called a “Ducking Ceremony.” These re-enactments will take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from December 2011 through March 2012.
Taste of Bermuda Calypso Sundays: From 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., visitors are invited to stop by the Bermuda Craft Market in the Royal Naval Dockyard to taste delectable jams, rum cakes, locally brewed beer and ginger beer while listening to a rhythmic Calypso band.
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