Mary Prince Day in Bermuda
Mary Prince Day is the second of Bermuda’s two Cup Match public holidays, following Emancipation Day. Formerly called Somers Day, it honours Mary Prince, whose account of enslavement helped advance the abolitionist cause.[1][2]
A public holiday under Bermuda law
Bermuda’s Public Holidays Act 1947 includes Mary Prince Day in the public holiday schedule. The holiday is the Friday in the two-day Cup Match observance, which takes place on the Thursday and Friday before the first Monday in August.[1][3]
The Employment Act provides paid public holiday leave for employees covered by the Act, subject to its conditions. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, the employer must provide at least the overtime rate or regular pay plus a paid holiday on another agreed day. If a holiday falls on an employee’s rest day, the Act provides for a paid holiday on the next working day or another agreed day.[4]
From Somers Day to Mary Prince Day
In 2020, Bermuda renamed the second Cup Match holiday from Somers Day to Mary Prince Day. The old name recalled Admiral Sir George Somers, associated with Bermuda’s colonization; the new name recognizes Mary Prince and brings her story into the holiday’s public remembrance.[2][3]
Prince was born enslaved in Bermuda. Her life narrative gave an account of enslavement that helped the abolition movement, including efforts to end slavery across the British Empire. Bermuda’s Government identifies her as a National Hero.[2][3]
Cup Match, cricket and community observance
Cup Match grew from gatherings organized by Friendly Societies in the period after emancipation. The societies’ picnics included friendly cricket, and the annual trophy match between Somerset and St. George’s developed from that tradition. The two-day holiday was established in 1947.[3]
Cricket remains a central feature, alongside time with family and friends, picnics, camping, beach visits and gatherings. The holiday connects sport and recreation with remembrance of emancipation and the contribution of Black Bermudians to the island’s history.[2][3]
Planning around the holiday
As a public holiday, Mary Prince Day can affect work schedules and public services. The Employment Act sets out holiday pay and alternative arrangements for covered workers who work that day; the Government publishes holiday information and service advisories separately, so check current official notices and individual business hours when making plans.[1][4]
The Act’s general weekend rule provides for the next following weekday to be observed when a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Mary Prince Day is scheduled for a Friday in the official holiday calendar, and no substitute day is listed for it in that calendar.[1]
Mary Prince Day: frequently asked questions
Is Mary Prince Day still called Somers Day?
When does Mary Prince Day fall?
Do employees get the day off?
The Employment Act provides paid public holiday leave for employees covered by the Act, subject to its conditions. Employees required to work must receive the statutory pay arrangement or an agreed paid day off.[4]
Are shops, banks and transport open?
Opening hours and transport arrangements can vary. Check current Government notices and the relevant business or transport operator’s schedule before travelling.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Somers' Day in Bermuda:
- Public Holidays- Government of Bermuda
- Mary Prince Day- Government of Bermuda
- The Important Link between Cup Match and Emancipation in Bermuda- Government of Bermuda
- Employment Act 2000- Government of Bermuda, Bermuda Laws