Some people could never imagine missing the Bermuda Day Parade and all the exuberant sights and sounds that come with it.

Others would go to the ends of the earth to avoid all the big crowds and hours in the sweltering sun.

If you fall into the later category — and aren’t looking to head to the parade — perhaps you should make an exception this year.

While there are dozens of exciting highlights to be seen at this year’s event, The Royal Gazette’s Lifestyle section has complied a list of our top three must-see attractions for May 26th.

1. Bermuda’s Carnival King, Larry Perinchief, will be showing off his 25 foot tall costume for the first time on Island when he performs with the Bermuda Reveller’s at this year’s Heritage Day parade.

The costume, which pays tribute to Raa, the Sun God, boasts an impressive collection of aluminium, fibreglass, cane, sequins, diamanté and peacock and pheasant feathers along with coloured foil.

“I think it’s going to be a treat for them when they see it,” Mr Perinchief said. “It’s nothing Bermuda has ever seen before so I’m hoping Bermuda will be excited.”

Mr Perinchief wore the costume for competitions in Boston and New York, where he just slightly missed winning the top prize due to a technicality (not having the proper footwear) and was named runner up.

Made by award-winning designer Stephen Derek, from Trinidad and Tobago, and assisted by Denise Duncan, the costume took two and a half days to create.

Ms Duncan said it was beautiful and really lived up to the legend of Raa, The Sun God, by reflecting the sun.

2. Another must see in the parade is expected to be Jason Sukdeo, aka soca DJ D’General’s Passion truck.

For the second year in a row, the float is looking to recreate a Carnival type atmosphere by playing a host of soca favourites from the very start of the day, right to the finish.

Mr Sukdeo said they had doubled their numbers for registration this year and would be providing a roped off area right behind the truck for people to enjoy themselves responsibly, while on the parade route.

“The public is welcome to join in outside the secured area and enjoy the festivities as well,” he said.

“This year we have been fortunate enough to get permission by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and The Corporation of Hamilton to continue playing music into City Hall Parking lot to provide an ‘after-party’ atmosphere for the day!

“We are looking forward to this great opportunity to provide exciting entertainment for all of Bermuda to enjoy!”

3. Chewstick’s j’ouvert float, called the One People Paint and Powder Party Truck is hoping to up the ante at this year’s parade by offering people a messy, good time.

Come out to hear local musicians and singers and see how they use colourful paints and powder for a purpose.

According to Chewstick spokeswoman Deidra Lee Bean, the aim of using body paint, glitter and masks is so that at the end of the day all the participants are unified and look the same.

She said: “The highlight is that it’s a diverse array of people having fun and freeing up, while also upholding the ethos of breaking barriers and not coming with any preconceived notions.

“We want to present Bermuda’s people. Encouraging people to come outside their comfort zone because that’s where growth occurs.

“It will be fun and people are welcome to jump up and join in and get messy with us.”

Chewstick will also be encouraging people to help them create their float on Elliot Street, Hamilton, tomorrow at 6pm.

People are being asked to grab a hammer, glitter, a paint brush — and bring a good attitude as they construct the float and help Chewstick celebrate the Island’s culture, good vibes, and unity across culture, colour and creed.

On Bermuda Day, Chewstick will also joining other local businesses to invite people to join in for a Bermuda Day Bakatown Block Party.

The free event- held in partnership with, The Economic Empowerment Zone Agency (EEZA), Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and with support from the Corporation of Hamilton, will highlight local DJ’s, vendors and North Hamilton businesses — as well as celebrate the cultural heritage of Bermuda. The party will go on from 6pm until 1am.