For Bermudians and expats alike, this is the big one. Every summer, the whole Island enjoys two consecutive official holidays so everyone can watch cricket at Cup Match, either live or over television. Thousands go out to watch and celebrate.

It began in 1901 when two Friendly Societies competed for a silver cup. The match became so important that it was made a public holiday in the 1940s. This highly-anticipated annual cricket match is played over two days as the Somerset team from the west battles it out against the team from St George’s in the east. Somerset supporters wear red and blue while St George’s supporters sport dark and light blue.

The public holidays over which the Cup Match is played are known as Emancipation Day and Somer’s Day. These always coincide with the last Thursday and Friday before the first Monday in August. So with much excitement and fanfare, the match is played either at the end of July or beginning of August.

Bermuda virtually shuts down during these two days. Thousands gather to watch the match in the stadium, and there are parties and barbeques galore. Many more gather at the beaches or take the time out to go camping.

Even better, immediately following Cup Match, you’re spared from work as the next two days are always a Saturday and Sunday, making the event a very welcome 4-day festival marking the height of summer.

Why not be there yourself for Cup Match next year? If you are a lawyer or chartered accountant and interested in moving to Bermuda, visit our jobs portal to see the latest vacancies. Our site includes a downloadable All You Need to Know guide which will tell you all you need to know about living and working offshore.