Mary Prince Day in Bermuda

When did the Mary Prince Day in Bermuda start?

The first recorded date of Mary Prince Day in Bermuda being celebrated on September 2 was in the year 2003.

About Mary Prince Day in Bermuda Holiday

In Bermuda, Prince Day is held each year on July 4th to honor the memory of Mary Prince. Mary Prince was a Bermudian abolitionist best known for her autobiography published in 1831. In it, she chronicles the brutal reality of being an enslaved person. Prince Day is a national holiday that celebrates the courage and determination of Mary Prince in the fight against slavery.

The day is also celebrated as a holiday dedicated to the rights of all people to be free from the oppression of slavery and for the right to equality, liberty, and justice for all. On this day, many people in Bermuda reflect on the legacy of Mary Prince and their fight to make Bermuda a safe and place for all people. There are many events and activities held throughout the island to honor her life and her contribution to the abolitionist cause. These events usually include art exhibitions, educational seminars, and musical performances.

Introduction to Mary Prince Day, Bermuda

Mary Prince Day is a public holiday in Bermuda, celebrated annually on the third Monday in October to commemorate the life and legacy of Mary Prince, one of the first published female authors in Bermuda and a noted abolitionist. The holiday was declared in 2012 following a motion in Parliament, and is seen as an important symbol of Bermudian pride and resilience. The day provides an opportunity to recognize the strength of Bermudian women of African descent, and to remember and celebrate Mary Prince’s heroic contributions to the country’s fight against slavery.

History of the Holiday

Mary Prince was born in Brackish Pond, Devonshire, Bermuda in 1788. She was born into slavery; her father was of African descent, and her mother was a white indentured servant. Growing up in difficult conditions, Mary was sold multiple times, harassed, and beaten. In 1826, Mary’s attempts to purchase her freedom was unsuccessful, and so she sought the help of the British Anti-Slavery Society.

In 1828, Mary wrote her autobiography, The History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave. She wrote it in an effort to help galvanize public support for abolition. This groundbreaking work was one of the first published protests against slavery by a female author in Bermuda, and it was viewed as a powerful testament to the life of slaves in the region. The book quickly became a sensation in Europe, garnering praise from prominent figures in the Anti-Slavery movement such as John Stuart Mill and Harriet Martineau.

In 2012, Bermudian Congresswoman Renee Ming proposed a legislation to make Mary Prince Day an official holiday in Bermuda. Her motion was unanimously passed in the House of Assembly, and the declaration of Mary Prince Day was officially proclaimed on the 22nd of October 2012. The holiday was celebrated for the first time on the third Monday in October 2013.

Celebrations of Mary Prince Day, Bermuda

Mary Prince Day is celebrated in a variety of ways in Bermuda. Schools, churches, and business participate in Mary Prince Day celebrations, which typically include symbolic and educational activities, such as a parade, a service, or a lecture. The holiday also serves to increase awareness of Mary’s legacy and to honor the courage of other women of African descent in the region.

In recent years, many events have been held in celebration of the holiday. The Royal Gazette reports that several events are held annually, typically organized by churches or community groups. These include lectures, cultural performances, a parade, and of course, tea parties (a nod to Mary Prince’s favorite pastime!). The day also serves as a time for reflection on the impact of slavery and the value of freedom, as well as a time to recognize and celebrate the strength of women of African descent.

In 2020, as part of the holiday’s 8th annual celebration, the Mary Prince Centre for Gender Studies hosted a virtual event themed ‘Celebrating Mary Prince Day with Vision and Resilience’ where four special guests shared their vision for a better society. The event included lectures and a discussion, in addition to musical performances and a virtual art exhibition.

Conclusion

Mary Prince Day is an important holiday in Bermuda that honors the legacy of Mary Prince, one of the first published female authors in Bermuda and a noted abolitionist. This holiday serves as an opportunity to honor the strength and resilience of women of African descent in the region, and to remember the impact of slavery on Bermudian history and culture. The holiday is celebrated with events such as lectures, cultural performances, and parades, and it provides a time for people of all backgrounds to come together and recognize the importance of freedom and equality.

How to Say "Mary Prince Day in Bermuda" In Different Languages?