Surinamese people love a party, and we try to turn every occasion into a celebration. We love getting together, food, music and dancing with each other.
The main music styles you'll hear at a party are:
- Bigi poku
- Kaseko
- Kawina
These styles have a Surinamese rhythm and are sung in Sranan Tongo.
Many Surinamese bands play this kind of music.
Suriname has various national holidays when people take to the streets to enjoy the day.
Some of the busiest holidays are:
- Liberation Day, 25 February
- Holi Phagwa, 21 March
- Labour Day, 1 May
- Keti Koti, 1 July
- Indigenous Peoples' Day, 9 August
- Maroons' Day, 10 October
- Independence Day, 25 November
- Owru Yari (New Year's Eve), 31 December
Events start the evening before, because people don't have to work on national holidays.
On the holiday itself many people head to the Palm Garden, the Waterkant and Independence Square, where there are all kinds of activities and stalls selling souvenirs and, above all, Surinamese treats. On some holidays people come into town dressed in traditional costume.
Others don't go into town but throw their own party at home with family and friends, spending the day with lots of food, drink and good stories. If they want to avoid the bustle of Paramaribo, they head out of town to places like Powakka, Ayo, Overbridge or Cola Creek to spend the day with family and friends.
As a tourist it's always fun to see how the Surinamese celebrate, and to join in on these days. Surinamese people are hospitable and will always invite you for a drink.
