Cup Match (Emancipation Day & Mary Prince Day) 2026

Overview of Cup Match 2026: Bermuda's Premier Summer Celebration

Cup Match 2026 in Bermuda will be celebrated on Thursday, July 30, 2026 (Emancipation Day) and Friday, July 31, 2026 (Mary Prince Day), with the two‑day cricket classic hosted at Somerset Cricket Club. It is the island’s most anticipated summer holiday, blending a historic cricket rivalry with camping, boating, beach parties, and deep reflection on emancipation and Bermudian freedom.

Cup Match 2026: Cricket, Culture, and Island Pride

Cup Match is a uniquely Bermudian two‑day holiday and festival built around a cricket match between Somerset Cricket Club and St. George’s Cricket Club. In 2026 the classic will be played at Somerset, as the venue alternates between the two rival clubs each year. For locals, these two days are about much more than sport: they are about family, history, friendly rivalry, and a sense that the entire island has pressed pause to celebrate together.

The national holidays that frame Cup Match are Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day, both officially observed on the Thursday and Friday closest to August 1, which in 2026 fall on 30 and 31 July. That timing keeps the modern event closely tied to the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Bermuda and to the legacy of Bermudian abolitionist Mary Prince.

Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day: What They Commemorate

Emancipation Day

Emancipation Day marks the end of slavery in Bermuda, tied to August 1, 1834, when enslaved Bermudians were emancipated under British law. The first day of Cup Match coincides with this commemoration, giving locals and visitors a moment to recognize one of the most significant dates in the island’s history while enjoying the opening day of the cricket classic.

Mary Prince Day

The second day of Cup Match honors Mary Prince, an enslaved Bermudian woman whose 1831 autobiography, The History of Mary Prince, is widely credited with influencing the abolition movement in the British Empire. Mary Prince Day replaces the former Somers Day and is dedicated to celebrating her courage, testimony, and role as a Bermudian National Hero.

Cup Match’s pairing of Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day creates a framework where celebration and remembrance coexist, which is part of what makes the 2026 Cup Match weekend such a powerful island experience.

The 2026 Cup Match Cricket Classic at Somerset

In 2026 the Cup Match cricket classic is scheduled at Somerset Cricket Club, one of the two historic rivals that alternate hosting duties. The match itself is a two‑day first‑class game between Somerset (red and navy colors) and St. George’s (pale blue and dark blue), and it draws thousands of spectators to the grounds.

A Bermuda culture guide describes Cup Match as “a vibrant, two‑day national holiday and cultural celebration” where the cricket is central but the surrounding atmosphere is just as important: tents, food stalls, fashion, music, and traditional games keep the grounds buzzing even for those who know little about cricket. The friendly yet intense rivalry means you will see the island split into Somerset and St. George’s supporters, each proudly displaying their team colors in clothing, flags, and accessories.

Island‑Wide Celebrations: Camping, Beaches, and Crown & Anchor

Cup Match spills far beyond the boundary rope of the cricket ground.

A Bermuda tourism article explains that during Cup Match the community enjoys “a two day celebration of camping, boating, swimming and most importantly cricket,” with people lining the coast, setting up campsites, and taking to the water. Horseshoe Bay and other South Shore beaches fill up with families and friends who barbecue, play volleyball, and celebrate in the sunshine on game days.

One of the most distinctive traditions is Crown & Anchor, a Bermudian dice game that is legally permitted only during Cup Match and select other times. Stalls near the ground and at other gathering spots offer the game, and locals and visitors try their luck while soaking up the festive energy. The game, the food stalls, and the music together create a carnival‑like atmosphere that feels very different from a typical cricket match elsewhere.

Cup Match 2026 Dates and Long Weekend Rhythm

Office Holidays notes that Cup Match is observed as two consecutive public holidays on the Thursday and Friday closest to August 1, and lists Thursday, July 30, 2026 (Emancipation Day) and Friday, July 31, 2026 (Mary Prince Day) as the official 2026 holiday dates. A Bermuda tourism event listing titled “Cup Match in Bermuda” confirms the July 30–31, 2026 dates at Somerset Cricket Club for the cricket classic.

Travel writers point out that the weekend extending from Thursday and Friday into Saturday and Sunday is effectively a four‑day summer festival for the island, with many businesses closed on the holiday days and people taking extra time off to camp, raft‑up, and attend concerts. For visitors, that means the full Cup Match experience really stretches from Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Related Events Around Cup Match

Several major events orbit the Cup Match public holidays and help shape the wider Cup Match week.

• A Cup Match guide highlights Summer Splash, a concert in Hamilton on the eve of Cup Match featuring soca and reggae stars, drawing large crowds and setting the tone for the holiday.
• A “What’s On” listing mentions post‑Cup‑Match happenings such as Bacchanal Run and the Non‑Mariners Raft Up, which typically occur on the weekend following the cricket, turning the long weekend into an extended party.

These spin‑off events give travelers flexibility: even if you only attend one day at the ground, you can still enjoy Cup Match energy at beaches, boat parties, and night events.

Travel Tips for Cup Match 2026 Visitors

When to Arrive and Where to Stay

Because Cup Match is one of Bermuda’s biggest annual celebrations, demand for flights and accommodation around July 30–31, 2026 is high. A practical plan is to:

• Arrive by Tuesday, July 28 or Wednesday, July 29, to settle in and explore before the holidays.
• Stay through at least Sunday, August 2, to enjoy the full long‑weekend atmosphere and related events.

Staying in Sandys Parish or nearby areas is convenient for attending the match at Somerset in 2026, while Hamilton remains a solid base for nightlife and easy transport across the island.

How to Attend the Match

The Bermuda tourism site notes that tickets to the game can be purchased at the game itself, directly at the Cup Match grounds. For 2026 at Somerset Cricket Club, that means buying entry at the venue gates, with no separate mention of online general‑admission sales in the public descriptions.

Inside the grounds you will find:

• General spectator areas with tents, seating, and standing room.
• Food and drink vendors serving Bermudian favorites such as fishcakes, peas and rice, and homemade desserts.
• Crown & Anchor tables and music, often continuing even when play pauses.

Beach and Boating Etiquette

Cup Match is also famous for raft‑ups and beach parties, especially along the west and south coasts. Island guides emphasize:

• Respect local boat etiquette and safety rules.
• Keep beaches clean and carry out your trash.
• Be mindful that the holidays commemorate emancipation and Mary Prince, so celebration and respect go hand in hand.

Costs and Pricing (What is Known)

Official public holiday descriptions and tourism articles do not list fixed 2026 ticket prices for the Cup Match game at Somerset Cricket Club. The tourism board simply states that match tickets can be bought at the game and notes that Camp Bermuda, a special visitor area at the grounds offering DJs, selfie spots, and tastings, is free and open to island visitors only.

Because admission prices can change year to year and may vary by stand or area, visitors should:

• Budget for a modest entry fee at the gate.
• Expect separate spending on food, drinks, and optional events like concerts or boat charters.

There is no suggestion of a fee to enjoy beaches, camping areas, or general roadside viewing, which keeps much of the wider Cup Match celebration accessible.

Why Cup Match 2026 is a Must‑Experience Island Event

Bermuda tourism describes Cup Match as “Bermuda’s biggest summer celebration,” where a two‑day cricket match becomes the heart of a long weekend filled with culture, community, and shared history. Local writers call it “the very best fun you can have in Bermuda all year,” noting that even visitors who do not understand cricket can still enjoy beaching, boating, music, food, and al fresco dance parties infused with Rum Swizzle and island hospitality.

Cup Match (Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day) 2026 is not only a sports fixture, it is a living commemoration of freedom and Bermudian resilience wrapped in an island‑wide festival. If you want to understand Bermuda beyond the postcards, plan to be on the island for July 30–31, 2026, pick your team colors, and join locals on the grounds, on the beaches, and on the water as Bermuda celebrates its past and present with unforgettable style.

Verified Information at a Glance

Event Name: Cup Match 2026 – Emancipation Day & Mary Prince Day (Bermuda Cup Match Cricket Classic)

Event Category: National two‑day public holiday and cultural festival centered on a first‑class cricket match

Island/Country: Bermuda

2026 Public Holiday Dates:

• Emancipation Day: Thursday, July 30, 2026
• Mary Prince Day: Friday, July 31, 2026

2026 Match Venue: Somerset Cricket Club (host venue for the two‑day Cup Match classic)

Rival Teams: Somerset Cricket Club (red and navy) vs St. George’s Cricket Club (pale blue and dark blue)

Core Activities (verified): Two‑day cricket match; island‑wide camping, boating, and swimming; beach parties; Crown & Anchor gaming; food stalls; concerts and raft‑ups.

Historical Significance: Commemorates the abolition of slavery in Bermuda (Emancipation Day) and honors abolitionist and National Hero Mary Prince (Mary Prince Day).

Ticketing / Pricing (2026): Game tickets purchased at the ground; Camp Bermuda visitor area at the match is free for visitors; no fixed 2026 admission prices published in current public sources.