Dearest tourist, with the number of festivals and events held in Suriname, one cannot help but appreciate how deeply rooted they are in the society’s culture. Every occasion presents an opportunity to learn more about the way of life of the particular society, a society with a rich history and a great sense of togetherness. Let’s look at the different types of fests and events that are offered:
Cultural Festivals
- Keti Koti Festival: Taking place on the 1st of July, Keti Koti is the day when slavery was proclaimed over in Suriname. Take part with the residents of Paramaribo in colorful processions, cultural shows, and offerings of traditional foods. It is high time you disabused the notion that history is only in books because in Suriname Keti Koti takes the form of music, dance and contemplation of the past.
- Srefidensi Day: This day, which takes place on the 25th of November, Srefidensi Day celebrates the year when Suriname achieved freedom from The Netherlands in 1975. If you are in Paramaribo, get ready to embrace the spirit of the day with flag-raising and other ceremonial events, local talent in galas and the nights ending in pyrotechnics.
- Maroon Day: Although he Maroon Day is many times held in various Maroon villages throughout the year, it is to celebrate and honor aspects of Maroon heritage and Maroon resistance. There will be cultural dances and bongo drums (kawina) that will be played, as well as, maroon food, during these exciting parties.
Religious Festivals
- Diwali: The Diwali festival is very much cherished by the Hindu population of Suriname, where every house and temple is filled with ‘diyas’ (oil lamps) which signifies the triumph of brightness over darkness. Be part of the celebrations by going to Arya Dewaker Temple in Paramaribo and watch the colorful rangoli artwork, enjoy the sweets and see the fire crackers.
- Eid al-Fitr: A joyous end of Ramadan awaits for the Muslims in Suriname, incorporating prayer, eating, and giving out Zakaat. Stay in rooms at the mosques in Paramaribo and observe how relatives and friends go around’s welcoming each other and sharing meals.
- Christmas: Even if it is primarily Christian, in Suriname, Christ’s Feast is also mixed with other celebrations. Stroll through the beautifully lit and decorated Christmas markets in Paramaribo and try out the festive Dutch or Surinamese snacks.
Other Festivals
- Pom Wine Festival: Take advantage of all the deliciousness that Suriname has to offer at the Pom Wine Festival centered around a traditional favorite pom dish. Enjoy different adaptations of the savory casserole with local wines and music performers and prove it wrong that food fests are only about feasting.
- Parbo Bier Festival: Come to Paramaribo with its beer lovers for the Parbo Bier Festival in honor of the Parbo beer of Suriname. There will be live music, games, and lots of cold Parbo beers and sunshine.
- Pangi Festival: Savor the spices native to Suriname at Pangi Festival in which caboclos get together to exhibit cassava breads, wild animals, and herbal drinks, among other regional cuisines. Discuss with the locals what each meal symbolizes to their people.
Music and Arts Festivals
- Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA): It is every few years that such a regional celebration take place surinam, caribbean arts festival called carribean festival of arts CARIFESTA. Take part in cultural performances from every corner of the Caribbean, never assuming that arts festivals take place only in big urban areas.
- Jazz Festival Suriname: Suriname is one place where the awe smooth jazz blends well with the backdrop of its pidgin architecture. Take part in one of the many concerts dedicated to jazz music and enjoy the performances of both local and foreign musicians as they present a range of genres in their remarkable Suriname filled with music.
- Kasikunda Music Festival: The festivities of Suriname will be witnessed during the Kasikunda Music Festival where artists both in the modern and traditional sense are welcome to perform music genres such as kaseko, kawina, zouk, and many more. Music festivals do not only aim at showcasing mainstream music; in Surinam these are social cultural festivals, which promote ethnic diversity.
Sporting Events
- The Suriname Marathon: Get into your running shoes as you are invited to take part in the Suriname Marathon that takes participants through the beautiful and historic sites of Paramaribo. In this competitive race, draw local and foreign athletes together in the spirit of fitness and bonding.
- Boxing Day Volleyball Tournament: On every Boxing Day, witness the most awaited volleyball events in Suriname as teams from different countries will compete with each other. Bolster the home teams as they display their love for the sport and competitive energy.
- Nickerie Open Golf Tournament: Enjoy the Nickerie Open Golf Tournament which is one of the best tournament of golf in Suriname which draws golfers from other parts of the nation to come and play. Make new friends while appreciating the amazing sights of the green rice fields and catchment areas.
Conclusion
Festivals and events in Suriname always help to appreciate the culture as in any of its aspects to the proper spend the time. We would not forget the events like the Keti Koti celebrations or food and music festivals that have their ebbs and flows of activity, as all these events call for the re-evaluations that must be performed about Suriname. Traveling without any expectations is also advised and will help you enjoy these wonderful activities which will enhance your perception of the beautiful country.