May 1st signals the start of Heritage Month, and with this year’s theme being - Bermudian Excellence, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs have a number of activities planned to celebrate Bermuda’s culture.

The Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports, the Hon. Lovitta Foggo said, “The aim of Heritage Month is to use the arts and culture as a means for community-building by empowering, promoting, and preserving Bermuda’s cultural heritage. Heritage month has historically provided us an opportunity as a people to show off our cultural pride. Each year the Department, aided by the members of the Heritage Advisory Committee, chooses a theme that raises the profile of some aspect of our collective cultural heritage. This year the spotlight is being cast on our excellence. So throughout the month of May the focus will be on our efforts as a community to achieve extraordinary success – in such areas as hospitality, sports, business, arts and culture, education and industry.”

The Department has worked with local partners to plan a events including as series of cultural discussions, book launches, festivals and community-focused activities aimed at encouraging public engagement for Heritage Month.

The events culminate with the signature Bermuda Day events – which will be celebrating 40 years. Minister Foggo notes that more details regarding the parade participants and route will be provided subsequently.

The Department advised that information on all of the Heritage Month and Bermuda Day activities can be found at http://communityandculture.bm/pages/heritage-month.

• Press release from the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs