The time has come once again—pirates, ready your ships!
Esquimalt’s beloved Buccaneer Days is returning on Friday, May 10th and running until Sunday, May 12th at Esquimalt’s Archie Browning Sport Centre.
This community celebration brings a flurry of family-friendly activities, including the famous parade on Saturday, May 11th at 10 a.m.—a tradition that has been around since 1939 as a way to honour the May Queen, rooted in early celebrations of fertility, planting and flowers.
And although those traditional celebrations were abandoned, Esquimalt Days decided to revamp this spring tribute, and by 1966, the event became Buccaneer Days.
Now, the early morning streets of Esquimalt echo with the staticy, loud and newly traditional “Wakey, Wakey!” from a speaker of a moving vehicle alerting residents that the community events are beginning.
Once the announcement reaches every home in the area, the township transforms into a sea of naval and pirate attire, everyone after that top prize for best costume.
Other activities include a community BBQ, Midway by West Coast Amusements, a collection of vendors in a pop-up market place, a pancake breakfast, and much more.
New this year will be music bingo, with Friday’s slot reserved for all ages and Saturday’s evening for adults 18 and up—there are plenty of prizes to be won!
Also brand new to the festivities include live music, a beer garden, Little Bucc’s Olympics, corn hole tournament and a Mother’s Day breakfast.
For the full list of activities along with their dates and times, you can visit the Buccaneer Days website.
Wristbands are required to enjoy the Midway rides and can be purchased for $47.
Don your best pirate outfit and take advantage of what Buccaneer Days has to offer!
Esquimalt Buccaneer Days
- When: Friday, May 10th to Sunday, May 12th
- Where: Esquimalt’s Archie Browning Sport Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Road
