The Cup Match holiday is probably foremost on most residents’ minds this week.And why wouldn’t it be? A two-day break from work, filled with food, fun and downtime with family and friends promises nothing but enjoyment.The Royal Gazette’s Lifestyle section polled community members to find out what they most enjoy about the Cup Match festivities and their plans for the long weekend.For some like Elaine Williams, executive director of the Women’s Resource Centre, it’s all about the atmosphere of the holiday.“Cup Match is so special because you can experience all of the culture of Bermuda at one time. The food, the activities, the dress and the people. It’s also one of the few times that race and differences don’t matter, what matters is a good time.“I usually relax, eat Cup Match food and listen to the game on the first day. That includes calling up rivals if my [St George’s] team is winning. The second day I go to the game in the afternoon just to experience the culture. I never did understand the game but enjoy the excitement of it anyway.”Ms Williams isn’t sure how she became a St George’s fan, but said they have not disappointed her. This year the loyal fan will be supporting the East side captain and his team.Gita Blakeney Saltus, vice president of Caron Bermuda, said Cup Match was a “unique opportunity” to celebrate something truly Bermudian with family and friends.“I also believe that it provides a moment to pause and reflect on the celebration of emancipation from which this friendly rivalry between the Somerset and St George’s cricket teams began,” she said.“I usually use this time to relax, revitalise and engage with my family. Somerset is my team, and I will continue to have faith my guys that they will be victorious!“I haven’t really made a critical analysis of the players, but I want them all to play with heart and soul. We want two exciting days of cricket!”Mrs Blakeney Saltus admitted she hadn’t been to the field for a few years, but enjoys watching the coverage on TV. “I’m sure my hubby and I will ‘chill’ at home for the most part,” she said.Government MP Dale Butler is somewhat of a Somerset supporter as well. He said: “I cheer for Somerset. My heart is with Social Club, but they won’t let them play.“I go to watch the game, listen to the friendly teasing between rivals, listen to the music and eat shark hash or conch stew. I also enjoy playing Crown and Anchor. I always go but this year [I] may beach it first, and listen to the game.”Musician Janet Travers said Cup Match is special due to the mood of people at the various events. She said: “We get a real feeling of Bermuda, past and present; its varied history. One can sense the loyalty of Bermudians to their Island home and its traditions.“I always attend [the cricket field], despite the heat; sunblock and a portable fan work for me — and I always cheer for Somerset.”Golf professional Kim Swan, an avid St George’s supporter, said his favourite part of the holiday was in fact the preparations that went on before hand.“The atmosphere and build-up to the day is the culmination of all the work that goes into it. This year Somerset is hosting, so it’s a different sort of preparation involved.”Sometimes he has to work over the holiday, but the United Bermuda Party leader said he enjoyed going to the field, engaging in friendly banter with friends and family and seeing the first ball being thrown out.Nikita Robinson of radio station Hott 107.5 said she loved “the Bermudian spirit of sharing, caring, loving and having a good time with friends, family and visitors, all built on our freedom”.“And I can’t forget the friendly banter that goes on between St George's and Somerset fans,” she said.The first day is usually about relaxing, but on day two her family heads to the cricket field. She said: “My husband Leroy will get his conch stew or mussels. I’ll have my fish and the boys will have a snow ball. We will walk around the grounds visiting friends and family.”She was certain her team would be victorious again this year.“St George’s is going to win because they have the best team and we’ve had the cup for how long now? Somerset is just not ready.”Dance hall artist Fiyah Marshall said he loved the unity in the community at this time of year.“I’m a Somerset fan through and through. Cup Match in Bermuda is very special to me because you really feel the warmth and vibrance of the Island.“The community really comes together and it’s an awesome experience without a doubt; the vibes make it the best time of the year.“I usually pass through the game and hit some Crown and Anchor [tables] especially if the match is in Somerset; I love the venue up west. I always go to BeachFest and try and hit some of the annual events and just am very proud to be Bermudian at this time of year.”Kristy Burgess, leader of the Phenomenal Women’s Association, said she most enjoys celebrating the meaning of emancipation and spending time with family and friends.She said her holiday includes a mix of rest and relaxation and having fun at the different festivities. “I prefer the second day of Cup Match later in the afternoon. The heat and I are not the best of friends so I do my best to enjoy the sun when it is necessary.”She remains a St George’s fan.“St George’s will definitely retain the cup because our team has the confidence, the attitude, the knowledge and the best captain to lead St George’s to victory. With these qualities who else would even be qualified?”Consultant Aideen Ratteray Pryse said she most enjoyed the friendly rivalry “with everyone proudly displaying their colours and talking about cricket like they understand the game — that’s what makes Cup Match in Bermuda special”.“I usually relax over Cup Match. I used to do my annual scuba diving trip at some point over the four days but now I’m mostly just lazy.”She said she believed Somerset should win: “Consistently, Somerset plays to get a result and that’s important for the game — keeps things interesting and lively.“I don’t go to the game every year but I listen to the ‘Voice of Summer’ [former Tourism Minister Jim Woolridge] for two days straight. When I do, I only go when it’s in Somerset unless I have visitors, in which case I’ll trek up to St. George’s. I don’t really like the East End field.”What makes Cup Match in Bermuda special.This is a uniquely Bermudian holiday a time we get to remember and honour our history and enjoy a sport that transcends age, race and gender. It creates an opportunity for Bermudians to participate in healthy rivalries, St. Georges vs Somerset — as we all know St. Georges reigns supreme. It is also a time for family and friends to reconnect, relax and enjoy each other.For Aderonke Bademosi Wilson a day at the game always ends in the same place, the Crown and Anchor table.“I will say I’m a huge gambler when it comes to Cup Match,” said Ms Bademosi Wilson, with a laugh. “I break out the $2 and $5 bills and have a field day. I have been asked to leave a few tables based on my high-risk bets.”When asked what team she was cheering for she said: “I’m not sure I understand this question, is there another team other than St George’s?”Ms Bademosi Wilson, communications manager, said she knew little about the teams, the players or their abilities, but one thing she did know was that St George’s would win, “surely”.“That’s all I need to know about the game,” she said.