Culture of Bermuda
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The Culture of Bermuda reflects the heritage of its people, who are of African and European descent. Although Bermuda is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, there are also strong historical links with the United States, Canada, and the former British colonies in the Caribbean.
To visitors from the United States, Bermudians seem British in their customs: playing cricket; driving on the left; and having Queen Elizabeth II on their banknotes, while for British visitors, Bermuda seems more North American: the currency is the dollar, on par with the US Dollar, television comes from the US; while Bermudian English sounds similar to American English. While in the US or Britain, "Bermuda shorts" are considered casual dress, while in Bermuda they are considered to be formal attire, and are worn with a jacket and tie.
Bermudians may seem more conservative than people in the UK or North America, and more concerned with etiquette. For example, to ask somebody directions in Bermuda, without first saying 'good morning' or 'good afternoon' is considered to be abrupt and rude. This causes misunderstandings and embarrassment on the part of many US or British visitors, for whom this is perfectly normal, and who intend no offence. Topless sunbathing is not simply frowned upon as immodest, it is against the law.
However, Bermudians can also be tolerant of behaviour that would be considered eccentric elsewhere. One example is Johnny Barnes, a retired bus driver who stands by the road in Hamilton, greeting commuters on their way to work, often by name, wishing them a good morning, and telling them all I love you!. Such is the esteem in which he is held locally that a statue of him now stands in Hamilton.
Music
Main article: Music of Bermuda
The traditional form of music and dance is known as Gombey, which is of West African derivation, and involves rhythmic chanting and rapid drumbeat. Also encountered in the Bahamas, the Bermudian version of the dance involves the use of the British military snare drum, beaten with wooden sticks. This practice stems from the fact that many slaves worked in British military bases.