Embracing & Tasting Bermuda’s Portuguese Culture

Wander the farmers markets, savour the food, or catch a parade and you’ll start to feel it. A rhythm. A flavour. A proud presence that quietly hums through the island’s soul. This is the imprint of Bermuda’s Portuguese community – particularly those of Azorean descent – a vibrant thread woven into the island’s cultural tapestry for nearly two centuries.

In a place shaped by centuries of seafaring and cultural exchange, the Portuguese story is both foundational and fascinating. It’s a tale of resilience, family, faith, and festa that continues to shape the Bermuda of today – and it’s one every curious traveller should experience firsthand.

Historical Snapshot: From the Azores to Bermuda

Portuguese sailors may have been the very first to leave their mark on Bermuda – literally. At Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, you’ll find Portuguese Rock, containing a mysterious inscription believed to be the earliest remnant of human recording found in Bermuda.

The letters 'R' and 'P' – dated 1543 – are engraved in the rock. Bermuda’s first English colonists thought the markings were made by shipwrecked Spanish sailors, so the rock was long known as "Spanish Rock". But a Portuguese historian showed evidence from a chronicled voyage that Portuguese sailors were shipwrecked there – and that 'R' and 'P' were Latin for 'Regium Portuguese' or Kingdom of Portugal. So finally in this century, the site is referred to more accurately as "Portuguese Rock".

In the 1840s, waves of immigrants from the Azores arrived seeking opportunity and a new life. Many came as contract labourers, working tirelessly in agriculture – particularly in onion farming, a trade that earned Bermuda international renown. These early Portuguese-Bermudians played a vital role in shaping the island’s food supply and economy. Over generations, their commitment to hard work and tight-knit family life helped build not just farms, but communities – deep roots in Bermuda’s soil and spirit.

At the National Museum of Bermuda, the Commissioner’s House features a permanent exhibit exploring the many connections between the Azores and Bermuda.

A Community that Grows & Gathers

To walk through a Bermudian farmers market is to stroll through living history. The produce – often still grown by Portuguese-descended families – is more than fresh; it’s part of a legacy. 

That legacy also flavours the local cuisine. Whether you’re biting into a warm Portuguese roll, savouring chouriço (a spicy sausage that stars in many local dishes), or indulging in a sugar-dusted malasada (Portuguese-style doughnut) at the summertime street festival Harbour Nights, you’re tasting the island’s multicultural story – with a Portuguese twist.

Located in the heart of Hamilton next to the Bermuda National Gallery and central bus terminal, Café Acoreano offers a cosy taste of Bermuda’s Portuguese heritage. Known for its irresistible malasadas and hearty lunch buffet, this café serves a delicious mix of Azorean dishes like red bean soup and chouriço sausage alongside Bermudian favourites such as codfish casserole. Big on flavour and culture, it’s a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Cultural Celebrations: Faith, Festivals & Folklore

The Portuguese influence on Bermuda goes well beyond food and farming. It also brought a deeply rooted Catholic faith, celebrated today in places like St. Theresa’s Cathedral, a spiritual hub for many Portuguese-Bermudians. On Sundays, and especially during religious festivals, you’ll see faith expressed with beauty and joy.

Each May, Bermuda’s Heritage Month includes vibrant celebrations honoring the island’s Portuguese roots. The festivities feature traditional music and folklore performances, community dinners, cultural exhibitions, and lectures highlighting the legacy of Portuguese-Bermudians. Additionally, during Bermuda Day – a celebration of the island’s rich heritage and culture – Portuguese dancers in vibrant costumes join the festivities with pride, reflecting their unique place within Bermuda’s history.

Preserving heritage isn’t just about events – it’s also about education. The Portuguese School of Bermuda offers language and cultural classes that keep Azorean traditions alive and flourishing for the next generation.

Where to Experience Portuguese Culture in Bermuda
 

• Café Acoreano (City of Hamilton): This casual café is beloved for its hearty, homestyle Portuguese dishes. Don’t miss the Portuguese-style doughnuts (malasadas) and other pastries.
• Generosa’s Cuisine (City of Hamilton): Find this popular food truck serving up traditional Portuguese favourites at The Front Yard on bustling Front Street.
• Harbour Nights (City of Hamilton): Sample malasadas and enjoy live performances during this summer street festival held every Wednesday night mid May through August.
• Local Farmers Markets (Island-wide): Meet multigenerational growers and taste their heritage in every bite.
• Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festival (City of Hamilton): Held in May, this Azorean tradition has been celebrated for many years by the Portuguese community in Bermuda, featuring a festival with lots of food, drinks, baked goods, a bazaar, and live entertainment.
• Festival of the Holy Spirit / Festa do Espírito Santo (St. George’s): Held in June, this Azorean-Portuguese celebration combines religious devotion with joyful celebration, featuring traditional meals along with live music and dance.

When it comes to the Portuguese community in Bermuda, what you’ll discover is so much more than history. It’s family, food, and faith. It’s music and dance. It’s the way people greet you like an old friend and invite you into their story.

So go ahead and order the chouriço sandwich. Watch the dancers whirl. Ask someone about their grandmother’s cooking. Whether you’re here during Portuguese Heritage Month or any other time of year, there’s always something to learn, taste, and celebrate. Because getting a little lost in Bermuda’s Portuguese culture? That’s one way to find something unforgettable.

For more cultural explorations, dive deeper into Bermuda’s rich Culture & Heritage.