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Festivals and the year

New Year, Holi, Diwali, and Keti Koti are public life in Paramaribo. Dates follow more than one calendar.

The Palm Garden, a public park in the center of Paramaribo
Photograph by JvL · CC BY 2.0

Suriname keeps several calendars at once. Owru Yari, the turn of the year, is the loud one: streets, music, and fireworks, with the city dressed for it. Holi, or Phagwa, is the Hindu spring festival of color, usually in March. Diwali is the festival of lights later in the year. Keti Koti, on 1 July, marks the abolition of slavery in 1863 and is a national day, not a costume party.

Javanese and Chinese communities mark their own new years as well. A visitor does not need to collect every festival. If one falls during your stay, ask a host what is public and what is for the family. Streets around Independence Square and the markets are where the city version happens.

Mosque, church, mandir, and synagogue each have their own hours and their own rules about dress and photography. A festival day is busier, not more open.

While you are there

Ask before you photograph people in a procession or at prayer. Do not treat Keti Koti as a backdrop. Cover shoulders in a house of worship, festival day or not.

Places that fit