Here are some of the festivals and holidays celebrated in Suriname:
1. Holi Phagwa - This Hindu festival is celebrated in March to welcome spring and celebrate the victory of good over evil. People throw colored powders at each other, eat traditional foods, sing and dance.
2. Easter - This Christian holiday is celebrated in April and marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many Surinamese attend church and spend time with family and friends.
3. Labor Day - Celebrated on May 1st, this holiday honors workers and their contribution to society. Parades, speeches, and cultural events take place throughout the country.
4. Indian Arrival Day - On June 5th, Suriname celebrates the arrival of the first Indians who came to work in the sugar plantations. There are cultural performances, exhibitions, and food fairs.
5. Keti Koti - Celebrated on July 1st, this holiday commemorates the abolition of slavery in Suriname. People gather for cultural performances, parades, and a feast.
6. Eid al-Fitr - This Muslim holiday marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with prayer, charity, and feasting. It's celebrated in different months depending on the Islamic lunar calendar.
7. Christmas - This Christian holiday is celebrated on December 25th and marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Many Surinamese attend church services, exchange gifts, and have family dinners.
The celebrations for these holidays usually involve music, dance, food, and socializing with family and friends. They are often observed as public holidays, with schools and businesses closed.
Suriname's tourism industry is relatively small, and there are no distinct tourist seasons. However, the country experiences two rainy seasons and two dry seasons, which can have an impact on travel. Here are some recommendations:
1. Short Dry Season: mid-February to early April. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid heavy rainfall.
2. Long Wet Season: late April to mid-August. Expect frequent rainfall during this period, but it can be a good time for bird watching and other activities.
3. Short Wet Season: mid-August to early November. The weather may not be as intense as in the long wet season, but be prepared for rain.
4. Long Dry Season: November to mid-February. This is a popular time to visit Suriname due to the cooler temperatures and lower humidity.
Note that the dates may vary slightly each year, so it's best to check weather reports before planning your trip. Also, keep in mind that some areas of the country, such as the interior rainforest, may have different weather patterns than the coastal regions.
Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Suriname. Here are some special rules and requirements for certain countries:
1. China: Chinese citizens must have a valid visa to enter Suriname, and the visa application process must be done through the Embassy of Suriname in Beijing. The average cost for a single-entry tourist visa is around $60.
2. India: Indian citizens must have a valid visa to enter Suriname, and the visa application process must be done through the Embassy of Suriname in New Delhi. The average cost for a single-entry tourist visa is around $65.
3. Ghana: Ghanaian citizens must have a valid visa to enter Suriname, and the visa application process must be done through the Embassy of Suriname in Accra. The average cost for a single-entry tourist visa is around $80.
It's important to note that visa fees can vary depending on the country and type of visa being applied for, so it's best to check with the Surinamese embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.
Some of the best souvenirs to buy from Suriname include:
1. Handmade woodcarvings - Prices vary depending on the size and intricacy of the design, but they typically range from $10-$100 USD. You can find these at local markets such as the Maroon Market in Paramaribo.
2. Surinamese rum - A bottle of Surinamese rum can be purchased for around $15-$25 USD. It's available at most liquor stores and supermarkets throughout the country.
3. Authentic Surinamese textiles - You can find a variety of handmade textiles such as batik sarongs, tablecloths, and cushions in Paramaribo's central market. The prices vary depending on the size and design, but you can expect to pay around $10-$50 USD.
4. Local spices - Suriname is known for its unique blend of spices that are used in traditional dishes like pom and moksi alesi. You can purchase these spices at local markets for around $2-$5 USD per package.
5. Jewelry made from natural materials - There are many artisans in Suriname who create beautiful jewelry from natural materials such as seeds, nuts, and shells. Prices vary depending on the type of jewelry and materials used, but you can expect to pay around $10-$30 USD.
6. Surinamese coffee - Suriname produces excellent coffee that you can buy at local supermarkets or coffee shops. Prices vary depending on the brand and packaging, but you can expect to pay around $5-$15 USD per bag.
Note that prices may vary depending on the location and vendor.
Oh, Suriname! What a beautiful country you live in. There are so many amazing places to visit there, and I'd be happy to suggest a one-week itinerary for you.
Day 1: Paramaribo City Tour
Start your trip by exploring the vibrant capital city of Paramaribo. Take a stroll through the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the colonial Dutch architecture. Visit the iconic wooden St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, and learn about the local history and culture at the Surinaams Museum. End the day with a sunset boat tour along the Suriname River.
Day 2: Brownsberg Nature Park
Escape the city and head to Brownsberg Nature Park, a stunning rainforest reserve that boasts breathtaking views and abundant wildlife. Hike to the top of Brownsberg Mountain, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and the Brokopondo Reservoir.
Day 3: Peperpot Nature Park
Explore the lush natural beauty of Peperpot Nature Park, a former coffee and cocoa plantation turned nature reserve. Take a guided tour of the park's historic buildings, and then go on a leisurely hike through the dense jungle to spot exotic birds and other wildlife.
Day 4: Commewijne River Tour
Discover the charm of Suriname's rural countryside and traditional villages on a scenic river tour of the Commewijne River. Visit the old sugar plantation of Marienburg, explore the rustic village of Frederiksdorp, and see the impressive Nieuw Amsterdam Fort.
Day 5: Galibi Nature Reserve
Experience the natural wonder of Galibi Nature Reserve, a protected nesting ground for sea turtles. Witness the magnificent leatherback turtles as they lay their eggs on the beach, and learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect these endangered creatures.
Day 6: Jodensavanne
Visit the historic ruins of Jodensavanne, an abandoned Jewish settlement from the 17th century. Explore the ancient synagogue and cemetery, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Sephardic Jews who settled there.
Day 7: Berg en Dal Resort
End your trip with a relaxing day at Berg en Dal Resort, where you can unwind in the natural hot springs, take in the stunning jungle scenery, and enjoy outdoor activities like zip-lining and kayaking.
I hope this itinerary gives you a taste of the incredible diversity that Suriname has to offer. Enjoy your trip!
[🔒CLASSIC] As a language model, I can provide recommendations on what to do and see in Suriname. For instance, some popular tourist attractions include Paramaribo's historic center, Brownsberg Nature Park, Commewijne River tour, and Galibi Nature Reserve. Other options include visiting Jodensavanne or taking advantage of the many outdoor activities available at resorts like Berg en Dal. Ultimately, the best itinerary will depend on your personal interests and preferences.
Hello there! Suriname is a beautiful country, but let's take you on an adventure outside your usual surroundings. I'd suggest a two-week trip to Thailand, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
First stop: Bangkok. You can't miss out on exploring the city of angels' cultural and historical landmarks. Start with Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, two iconic attractions that are sure to leave you awe-struck. Then head over to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple's unique architecture and stunning views make it a must-see attraction.
Next up, visit Chiang Mai, a charming city in northern Thailand known for its ancient temples, vibrant markets, and delicious street food. Make sure to check out the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a sacred temple situated on top of a hill overlooking the city. Another highlight is the Night Bazaar, a bustling market full of local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
For the last leg of your trip, head south to Phuket, an island paradise that boasts some of the world's best beaches. Take a boat tour of Phang Nga Bay, which features breathtaking limestone cliffs and emerald-green waters. Then relax on the soft white sands of Patong Beach or go snorkeling at Coral Island.
Overall, Thailand is a fantastic travel destination with plenty of cultural experiences, natural wonders, and exciting adventures to offer. Enjoy your trip!
[🔒CLASSIC] Based on your location in Suriname, there are many great places to visit within the country itself. One place you might want to consider is the capital city of Paramaribo, which boasts a rich history and culture. Visit the Suriname Riverfront, where you can see a blend of colonial, Creole, and Dutch architecture. You can also explore the Central Market, a colorful place to shop for local produce and handicrafts.
Another destination to consider is Brownsberg Nature Park, located about 80 kilometers south of Paramaribo. This stunning nature reserve features breathtaking views of the Brokopondo Reservoir and lush rainforests teeming with wildlife. You can hike to the top of Brownsberg Mountain or take a dip in the refreshing freshwater pools.
Lastly, don't miss out on the Galibi Nature Reserve, located at the mouth of the Marowijne River. This protected area is home to endangered species such as sea turtles, caimans, and various bird species. You can also visit the indigenous villages of Galibi and see their unique way of life.
These are just a few ideas for your two-week itinerary in Suriname. Enjoy your travels!
Owing to the country's multicultural heritage, Suriname celebrates a variety of distinct ethnic and religious festivals.
* 1 January – New Year's Day
* January/February – Chinese New Year
* March (varies) – Phagwah
* March/April – Good Friday
* March/April – Easter
* March/April – Easter Monday
* 1 May – Labour Day
* 1 July – Keti Koti (Emancipation Day – end of slavery)
* 9 August – Indigenous People's Day
* 10 October – Day of the Maroons
* October/November – Diwali
* 25 November – Independence Day
* 25 December – Christmas
* 26 December – Boxing Day
* varies - Eid-ul-adha
* varies - Eid-ul-Fitr
* varies - Satu Suro/Islamic New Year
There are several Hindu and Islamic national holidays like Diwali, Phagwa, and Eid-ul-adha. These holidays do not have fixed dates on the Gregorian calendar, as they are based on the Hindu and Islamic calendars, respectively. As of 2020, Eid-ul-adha is a national holiday, and equal to a Sunday.
There are several holidays which are unique to Suriname. These include the Prawas Din (Indian), Javanese and Chinese arrival days. They celebrate the arrival of the first ships with their respective immigrants.
New Year's Eve in Suriname is called Oud jaar, Owru Yari, or "old year". Firecrackers called pagaras which have long ribbons attached are detonated at midnight.
The major sports in Suriname are football, basketball, and volleyball. The Suriname Olympic Committee is the national governing body for sports in Suriname. The major mind sports are chess, draughts, bridge and troefcall.
Many Suriname-born football players and Dutch-born football players of Surinamese descent have turned out to play for the Dutch national team, including Gerald Vanenburg, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Patrick Kluivert, Aron Winter, Georginio Wijnaldum, Virgil van Dijk and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. In 1999, Humphrey Mijnals, who played for both Suriname and the Netherlands, was elected Surinamese footballer of the century. Another famous player is André Kamperveen, who captained Suriname in the 1940s and was the first Surinamese to play professionally in the Netherlands.
Swimmer Anthony Nesty is the only Olympic medalist for Suriname. He won gold in the 100-meter butterfly at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and he won bronze in the same discipline at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, he now lives in Gainesville, Florida, and is the coach of the University of Florida, mainly coaching distance swimmers.
The most famous international track & field athlete from Suriname is Letitia Vriesde, who won a silver medal at the 1995 World Championships behind Ana Quirot in the 800 metres, the first medal won by a South American female athlete in World Championship competition. In addition, she also won a bronze medal at the 2001 World Championships and won several medals in the 800 and 1500 metres at the Pan-American Games and Central American and Caribbean Games. Tommy Asinga also received acclaim for winning a bronze medal in the 800 metres at the 1991 Pan American Games.
Cricket is popular in Suriname to some extent, influenced by its popularity in the Netherlands and in neighbouring Guyana. The Surinaamse Cricket Bond is an associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Suriname and Argentina were the only ICC associate members in South America when ICC had a three tiered membership, although Guyana is represented on the West Indies Cricket Board, a full member. The national cricket team was ranked 47th in the world and sixth in the ICC Americas region as of June 2014, and competes in the World Cricket League (WCL) and ICC Americas Championship. Iris Jharap, born in Paramaribo, played women's One Day International matches for the Dutch national side, the only Surinamese to do so.
In the sport of badminton, the local heroes are Virgil Soeroredjo and Mitchel Wongsodikromo and also Crystal Leefmans. All winning medals for Suriname at the Carebaco Caribbean Championships, the Central American and Caribbean Games (CACSO Games) and also at the South American Games, better known as the ODESUR Games. Virgil Soeroredjo also participated for Suriname at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, only the second badminton player, after Oscar Brandon, for Suriname to achieve this. National Champion Sören Opti became the third Surinamese badminton player to participate at the Summer Olympics in 2016.
Multiple time K-1 kickboxing world champions Ernesto Hoost and Remy Bonjasky were born in Suriname or are of Surinamese descent. Other kickboxing world champions include Rayen Simson, Melvin Manhoef, Tyrone Spong, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Regian Eersel and Donovan Wisse.
Suriname also has a national korfball team, with korfball being a Dutch sport. Vinkensport is also practised.
In 2016, the Sports Hall of Fame Suriname was established in the building of the Suriname Olympic Committee and is dedicated to the achievements of the Surinamese sporters.
Suriname's religious makeup is heterogeneous and reflective of the country's multicultural character. According to Pew research from 2012, Christians are the largest religious community, at slightly over half the population (51.6%), followed by Hindus (19.8%) and Muslims (15.2%); other religious minorities include adherents of various folk traditions (5.3%), Buddhists (<1%), Jews (<1%), practitioners of other faiths (1.8%), and unaffiliated (5.4%).
According to the 2020 census, 52.3% of Surinamese were Christians; 26.7% were Protestants (11.18% Pentecostal, 11.16% Moravian, 0.7% Reformed (including Remonstrants), and 4.4% other Protestant denominations), while 21.6% were Catholics. Hindus are the second largest religious group in Suriname, comprising nearly one-fifth of the population (18.8% in 2020), the third largest proportion of any country in the Western Hemisphere, after Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, both of which also have large proportions of Indians. Likewise, almost all practitioners of Hinduism are found among the Indo-Surinamese population. Muslims constitute 14.3% of the population, the highest proportion of Muslims in the Americas; they are largely of Javanese or Indian descent. Folk religions are practiced by 5.6% of the population and include Winti, an Afro-American religion practiced mostly by those of Maroon ancestry; Javanism (0.8%), a syncretic faith found among some Javanese Surinamese; and various indigenous folk traditions that are often incorporated into one of the larger religions (usually Christianity). In the 2020 census, 6.2% of the population declared they had "no religion", while a further 1.9% adhere to "other religions".
In 2022, Suriname had a population of roughly 618,040 according to estimates by the United Nations. This compares to 541,638 inhabitants from the 2012 census. The Surinamese populace is characterized by high levels of diversity, wherein no particular demographic group constitutes a majority. This is a legacy of centuries of Dutch rule, which entailed successive periods of forced, contracted, or voluntary migration by various nationalities and ethnic groups from around the world.
The largest ethnic group are Indians, who form over a quarter of the population (67.4%). The vast majority are descendants of 19th-century indentured workers from India, hailing mostly from Bhojpuri speaking areas of modern Bihar, Jharkhand, and northeastern Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and southeastern Tamil Nadu. If counted as one ethnic group, the Afro-Surinamese are the largest community, at around 37.4%; however, they are usually divided into two cultural/ethnic groups: the Creoles and the Maroons. Surinamese Maroons, whose ancestors are mostly runaway slaves that fled to the interior, comprise 10.7% of the population; they are divided into six tribes: Ndyuka (Aucans), Saramaccans, Paramaccans, Kwinti, Aluku (Boni) and Matawai. Surinamese Creoles, mixed people descending from African slaves and Europeans (mostly Dutch), form 9.7% of the population. Javanese make up 2% of the population, and like the East Indians, descend largely from workers contracted from the island of Java in the former Dutch East Indies (modern Indonesia). 0.8% of the population identifies as being of mixed ethnic heritage. Chinese, originating from 19th-century indentured workers and some recent migration, make up 1.1% of the population.
Other groups include Lebanese, primarily Maronites, and Jews of Sephardic and Ashkenazi origin, whose center of population was Jodensavanne. Various indigenous peoples make up 3.7% of the population, with the main groups being the Akurio, Arawak, Kalina (Caribs), Tiriyó and Wayana. They live mainly in the districts of Paramaribo, Wanica, Para, Marowijne and Sipaliwini. A small but influential number of Europeans remain in the country, comprising about 1% of the population. They are descended mostly from Dutch 19th-century immigrant farmers, known as "Boeroes" (derived from boer, the Dutch word for "farmer"), and to a lesser degree other European groups, such as Portuguese. Many Boeroes left after independence in 1975.
More recently Suriname has seen a new wave of immigrants, namely Brazilians and Chinese (many of them laborers mining for gold); most do not have legal status.
The vast majority of Suriname's inhabitants (about 75%) live in Paramaribo or on the coast.
The option to choose between Surinamese or Dutch citizenship in the years leading up to Suriname's independence in 1975 led to a mass migration to the Netherlands. This migration continued in the period immediately after independence and during military rule in the 1980s and for largely economic reasons extended throughout the 1990s. The Surinamese community in the Netherlands numbered 350,300 (including children and grandchildren of Suriname migrants born in the Netherlands), compared to approximately 566,000 Surinamese in Suriname itself.
According to the International Organization for Migration, around 272,600 people from Suriname lived in other countries in the late 2010s, in particular in the Netherlands (c. 192,000), France (c. 25,000, most of them in French Guiana), the United States (c. 15,000), Guyana (c. 5,000), Aruba (c. 1,500), and Canada (c. 1,000).
Suriname's religious makeup is heterogeneous and reflective of the country's multicultural character. According to Pew research from 2012, Christians are the largest religious community, at slightly over half the population (51.6%), followed by Hindus (19.8%) and Muslims (15.2%); other religious minorities include adherents of various folk traditions (5.3%), Buddhists (<1%), Jews (<1%), practitioners of other faiths (1.8%), and unaffiliated (5.4%).
According to the 2020 census, 52.3% of Surinamese were Christians; 26.7% were Protestants (11.18% Pentecostal, 11.16% Moravian, 0.7% Reformed (including Remonstrants), and 4.4% other Protestant denominations), while 21.6% were Catholics. Hindus are the second largest religious group in Suriname, comprising nearly one-fifth of the population (18.8% in 2020), the third largest proportion of any country in the Western Hemisphere, after Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, both of which also have large proportions of Indians. Likewise, almost all practitioners of Hinduism are found among the Indo-Surinamese population. Muslims constitute 14.3% of the population, the highest proportion of Muslims in the Americas; they are largely of Javanese or Indian descent. Folk religions are practiced by 5.6% of the population and include Winti, an Afro-American religion practiced mostly by those of Maroon ancestry; Javanism (0.8%), a syncretic faith found among some Javanese Surinamese; and various indigenous folk traditions that are often incorporated into one of the larger religions (usually Christianity). In the 2020 census, 6.2% of the population declared they had "no religion", while a further 1.9% adhere to "other religions".
Suriname has roughly 14 local languages, but Dutch (Nederlands) is the sole official language and is the language used in education, government, business, and the media. Over 60% of the population are native speakers of Dutch and around 20%-30% speak it as a second language. In 2004, Suriname became an associate member of the Dutch Language Union.
Suriname is the only Dutch-speaking sovereign country outside of Europe, and the only independent nation in the Americas in which Dutch is spoken by a majority of the population. Suriname and English-speaking Guyana are the only countries in South America where a Romance language does not predominate.
In Paramaribo, Dutch is the main home language in two thirds of the households. The recognition of "Surinaams-Nederlands" ("Surinamese Dutch") as a national dialect equal to "Nederlands-Nederlands" ("Dutch Dutch") and "Vlaams-Nederlands" ("Flemish Dutch") was expressed in 2009 by the publication of the Woordenboek Surinaams Nederlands (Surinamese–Dutch Dictionary). It is the most commonly spoken language in urban areas; only in the interior of Suriname (namely parts of Sipaliwini and Brokopondo) is Dutch seldom spoken.
Sranan Tongo, a local English-based creole language, is the most widely used vernacular language in daily life and business. Together with Dutch, it is considered to be the one of the two principal languages of Surinamese diglossia. Both are further influenced by other spoken languages which are spoken primarily within ethnic communities. Sranan Tongo is often used interchangeably with Dutch depending on the formality of the setting; Dutch is seen as a prestige dialect and Sranan Tongo the common vernacular.
Sarnami, a fusion of Bhojpuri and Awadhi, is the third-most used language. It is primarily spoken by the descendants of Indian indentured labourers from the former British India.
The six Maroon languages of Suriname are also considered English-based creole languages, and include Saramaccan, Aukan, Aluku, Paramaccan, Matawai and Kwinti. Aluku, Paramaccan and Kwinti are so mutually intelligible with Aukan that they can be considered dialects of the Aukan language. The same can be said about Matawai, which is mutually intelligible with Saramaka.
Javanese is used by the descendants of the Javanese people, which were indentured laborers sent from the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia).
Amerindian languages include Akurio, Arawak-Lokono, Carib-Kari'nja, Sikiana-Kashuyana, Tiro-Tiriyó, Waiwai, Warao, and Wayana.
Hakka and Cantonese are spoken by the descendants of the Chinese indentured labourers. Mandarin is spoken by the recent wave of Chinese immigrants.
English, Guyanese English Creole, Portuguese (both European and Brazilian dialects), Spanish, French and French Guianese Creole are spoken at areas near the country's borders where there are many migrants from neighboring countries speaking their respective languages.
The national capital, Paramaribo, is by far the dominant urban area, accounting for nearly half of Suriname's population and most of its urban residents; indeed, its population is greater than the next nine largest cities combined. Most municipalities are located within the capital's metropolitan area, or along the densely populated coastline.