Suriname Public Holidays

Suriname Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Suriname? All public holidays in Suriname are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Suriname employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Suriname and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Suriname, a culturally diverse country in South America, celebrates a wide range of public holidays that reflect its rich heritage. The country’s holidays are a blend of religious, national, and cultural observances, shaped by its diverse ethnic and religious communities. These holidays offer a glimpse into the social fabric of the nation, where people of different backgrounds come together to honor their traditions and shared history.

Religious Holidays in Suriname

According to smartercomputing.org, religious holidays in Suriname reflect the various faiths practiced by the people. The main religions in the country include Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and indigenous beliefs. Each community observes its respective festivals with a mix of religious devotion and cultural activities.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day is celebrated by the Christian community in Suriname, which includes Catholics, Protestants, and other Christian denominations. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important religious holidays in the country.

• Celebration: Christians attend special church services, sing hymns, and celebrate with feasts. Homes are decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments.
• Traditions: Families exchange gifts, prepare festive meals, and spend time together.
• Public Holiday: December 25 is a public holiday, and all businesses and government offices are closed.

Good Friday

Good Friday is another significant Christian holiday in Suriname, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day observed primarily by the Christian community.

• Observance: Many Christians attend church services that focus on the suffering and death of Christ. The day is marked by prayers and reflections on the sacrifice of Jesus.
• Public Holiday: It is a public holiday, allowing Christians to observe the day in peace.

Easter Monday

Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, symbolizing hope and renewal for Christians.

• Celebration: Easter Monday is a continuation of the Easter festivities, with church services, family gatherings, and meals.
• Public Holiday: It is a public holiday, providing an extended weekend for reflection and celebration.

Diwali

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by the Hindu community in Suriname. It marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is one of the most vibrant religious festivals in the country.

• Celebration: Homes and temples are decorated with oil lamps (diyas) and lights. People wear new clothes, exchange sweets, and participate in prayers and pujas (rituals).
• Public Holiday: Diwali is a public holiday in Suriname, allowing everyone to take part in or observe the festivities.

Holi Phagwa

Holi Phagwa is another major Hindu festival in Suriname, celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Hindu community. Known as the festival of colors, Holi signifies the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

• Celebration: People celebrate by throwing colored powders and water at each other, singing, dancing, and sharing festive foods. The atmosphere is joyful, and both Hindus and non-Hindus join in the celebrations.
• Public Holiday: Holi Phagwa is a public holiday, highlighting the inclusive spirit of Suriname.

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr is an important Islamic holiday in Suriname, marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims.

• Celebration: Muslims in Suriname begin the day with a special prayer service at mosques or in large open spaces. The celebration involves feasting, exchanging gifts, and spending time with family and friends.
• Public Holiday: Eid-ul-Fitr is a public holiday, providing time for the Muslim community to celebrate the end of their fast.

Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is another significant Islamic holiday in Suriname. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

• Celebration: Muslims offer prayers and sacrifice animals such as goats, sheep, or cows. The meat is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.
• Public Holiday: Eid-ul-Adha is a public holiday, allowing the Muslim community to observe their religious customs.

National Holidays in Suriname

National holidays in Suriname are tied to the country’s history, independence, and culture. These holidays reflect the patriotic spirit and the milestones that have shaped Suriname’s national identity.

Independence Day (November 25)

Independence Day, known as “Onafhankelijkheidsdag,” marks the day Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975. It is one of the most important national holidays in the country.

• Celebration: The day is celebrated with parades, cultural events, speeches, and flag-raising ceremonies. Patriotic songs and dances are performed, and Surinamese citizens reflect on their nation’s journey to independence.
• Public Holiday: November 25 is a public holiday, and the entire country comes together to celebrate national pride.

Flag Day (July 2)

Flag Day in Suriname commemorates the adoption of the national flag, which symbolizes the unity and sovereignty of the country.

• Celebration: The day is marked by flag-hoisting ceremonies, speeches, and cultural performances. Schools, government institutions, and the public participate in events that honor the Surinamese flag and its significance.
• Public Holiday: Flag Day is recognized as a public holiday, fostering national pride and respect for the country’s symbols.

Day of the Indigenous Peoples (August 9)

The Day of the Indigenous Peoples honors the indigenous communities of Suriname, who have been living in the region long before the arrival of Europeans.

• Celebration: The day is celebrated with traditional ceremonies, music, and dances of the indigenous peoples. Cultural events showcase their rich heritage, and discussions focus on their rights and contributions to the nation.
• Public Holiday: August 9 is a public holiday, providing an opportunity for all Surinamese citizens to recognize and celebrate the country’s indigenous cultures.

Cultural Holidays in Suriname

Suriname’s cultural holidays reflect the diversity of its people and the blending of various ethnic traditions. These holidays are a celebration of the multicultural identity of the nation.

Keti Koti (July 1)

Keti Koti, which means “the chains are cut” in Sranantongo, is a holiday that marks the abolition of slavery in Suriname on July 1, 1863. It is a day to reflect on the history of slavery and celebrate freedom.

• Celebration: The day is commemorated with memorial services, cultural performances, and storytelling events. People remember the suffering of enslaved ancestors and celebrate the progress toward equality and justice.
• Public Holiday: Keti Koti is a public holiday, providing a platform for historical reflection and celebration of freedom.

Chinese New Year

Suriname’s Chinese community celebrates Chinese New Year with colorful festivities that include dragon dances, fireworks, and family gatherings.

• Celebration: Traditional foods are prepared, and red decorations are hung to symbolize good luck and prosperity. Both the Chinese community and the broader population participate in the celebrations.
• Public Holiday: Although not an official public holiday, Chinese New Year is widely celebrated in Suriname, especially in urban areas.

Maroon Day (October 10)

Maroon Day celebrates the culture and heritage of the Maroon people, descendants of African slaves who escaped and formed independent communities in Suriname.

• Celebration: The day is marked by traditional music, dance, and storytelling that reflect the Maroon community’s history and struggle for freedom. Cultural exhibitions showcase Maroon crafts, art, and cuisine.
• Public Holiday: October 10 is a public holiday, giving all citizens the chance to learn about and celebrate the Maroon heritage.

Observance of Public Holidays

Government and Public Institutions

On public holidays in Suriname, government offices, schools, and many businesses close to allow citizens to participate in celebrations or observe religious practices. These holidays are recognized by law, and all sectors respect the designated days off.

Private Sector

The private sector in Suriname typically follows the national holiday calendar. However, essential services such as healthcare, transportation, and emergency services may continue operations. Employees in these sectors are often compensated with overtime pay or given time off on alternate days.

Holiday Calendar

The government of Suriname publishes an official holiday calendar each year, outlining the dates of religious, national, and cultural holidays. Some holidays, particularly those based on the Islamic calendar, vary each year according to the lunar calendar.