Cup Match

Every year Bermudians celebrate cricket in a major way -- with an annual game between the Somerset and St. George's teams. Until the event, Cup Match, has run its course, the island is dominated by beach parties, food fairs and late-night frivolity, but no tourist sites are open and general business shuts down. Some travel books and guides may mislead you into thinking that Cup Match is a two-day event, but it's really a four-day extravaganza that takes up the Thursday and Friday before the first Monday in August and revels on throughout that weekend. You'd better like sports to visit Bermuda at this time, because there will be nothing else to do but watch, listen to or talk about cricket until Cup Match is over.

This is also a great excuse to get a glimpse into Bermudian culture. Don't bother buying tickets to the game -- most people watch it on television or listen to it on the radio at designated campgrounds like Ferry Point, Coney Island and Chaplin Bay. You can also tailgate, island style: All the public beaches are strewn with tents and sport lovers until Sunday evening.

Many of the popular Cup Match events are free to enjoy, but there are parties that are invitation only, and going to the actual cricket match requires a ticket. You can visit the Cup Match website for more information on the long weekend's activities.