2024 Public Holidays in Suriname

Public Holidays in Suriname 2024

Suriname, a multicultural and ethnically diverse country in South America, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the nation’s rich cultural heritage, religious traditions, historical events, and national identity. Here is a comprehensive list and description of public holidays in Suriname for the year 2024.

National Public Holidays

New Year’s Day – January 1st

Description: New Year’s Day, or “Nieuwjaarsdag,” marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with festive gatherings, parties, and fireworks displays across Suriname. Many people make New Year’s resolutions and spend time with family and friends, reflecting on the year gone by and looking forward to the year ahead.

Chinese New Year – January 22nd

Description: Chinese New Year, also known as “Lunar New Year” or “Spring Festival,” is celebrated by Suriname’s Chinese community. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and is observed with traditional rituals, ceremonies, and cultural performances. Festivities include dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and the sharing of special foods with family and friends.

Holi Phagwa – March 5th

Description: Holi Phagwa, also known as the “Festival of Colors,” is a Hindu spring festival celebrated by Suriname’s Hindustani community. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. The day is marked by the throwing of colored powders and water at friends and family, singing and dancing, and the sharing of sweets and festive foods.

Good Friday – April 12th

Description: Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed with solemnity and reflection by Suriname’s Christian community through church services, processions, and prayers. Many people also engage in acts of charity and attend religious events throughout the day.

Easter Monday – April 15th

Description: Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is observed as a public holiday in Suriname. It is a time for family gatherings, picnics, and various outdoor activities. Many people also attend church services to continue the Easter celebrations and participate in traditional Easter egg hunts.

Labour Day – May 1st

Description: Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, honors the contributions of workers to society. In Suriname, it is a day to recognize the achievements of workers and advocate for labor rights. Trade unions, workers’ organizations, and civil society groups organize rallies, marches, and events to raise awareness of labor issues and promote social justice.

Indian Arrival Day – June 5th

Description: Indian Arrival Day commemorates the arrival of the first Indian indentured laborers in Suriname in 1873. It is a significant cultural and historical holiday that celebrates the contributions of the Indian community to Surinamese society. Events include cultural performances, traditional music and dance, and exhibitions highlighting Indian culture and heritage.

Emancipation Day – July 1st

Description: Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery in Suriname on July 1, 1863. It is a solemn yet celebratory holiday that honors the resilience and perseverance of enslaved Africans and their descendants. The day is marked by ceremonies, cultural events, and educational activities that reflect on the legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.

Independence Day – November 25th

Description: Independence Day, or “Onafhankelijkheidsdag,” commemorates Suriname’s independence from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975. It is one of the most important national holidays, celebrated with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and speeches by government officials. The day highlights Suriname’s sovereignty and national identity, as well as its commitment to democracy and development.

Christmas Day – December 25th

Description: Christmas Day is celebrated by Suriname’s Christian community to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for religious services, carol singing, and festive gatherings with family and friends. Churches are adorned with nativity scenes, and homes are decorated with Christmas trees and lights. Traditional Christmas foods are enjoyed, and gifts are exchanged to spread joy and goodwill.

Boxing Day – December 26th

Description: Boxing Day, also known as “Tweede Kerstdag” (Second Christmas Day), is observed as a public holiday in Suriname. While not widely celebrated with specific customs or traditions, it provides an opportunity for relaxation and leisure activities following the festivities of Christmas Day.

Table: Public Holidays and Days Off in Suriname 2024