Festivals are very important for people of Suriname and travelers who are looking to visit Suriname. In addition to this, Festivals and events are the best means to rejoice amazing, culture, traditions and heritage, while learning a lot about the country and its values and ethics. Festivals are considered to enjoy beautiful moments and emotions in our lives with our friends and family. People of Suriname give significant value to festivals in a way that festivals add structures to their social lives, and connect them with foreigners and backgrounds.
Owru Jari (New Year’s Eve)
Suriname has a long history of celebrating New Year’s evening with the years-old traditions and customs. And, no doubt, the best time to visit Suriname is the last week of the year, when Owru Jari (New Year’s Eve) is being celebrated! It has been noted that travelers and Suriname living abroad tend to visit Suriname to take part in the celebration of New Year’s Eve. ‘Owru Yari’ has been a major festival for many years that attracts visitors from all around the world.
During the last week of New Year’s Eve and Christmas, there are so many street parties which let you have a good time. On New Year’s Eve, at 10 am Suriname’s Capital is usually closed for all sorts of traffic to allow people to enjoy the large firework competition that takes place in the city. In the evening, thousands of city dwellers come out on the street to cherish the different events and parties, and the evening starts with a big street party at ‘t Vat. Young and old dance and hop to Suriname’s rhythms. All the events are worth participating in!
Nowhere in the universe is this New Year’s Eve celebrated as magnificent as in Suriname! A very unique experience
Avondvierdaagse (AVD) an alternate to Carnival
The Avondvierdaagse (AVD) is a cultural event, which in some ways much similar to Carnival, as it is celebrated on the Caribbean Islands. The AVD is organized every year in April, about 5000 participants take part in a walk, moving their hips and dancing through the streets of Paramaribo for four days. A cultural event with a unique theme, which lets many artists show their creativity. Like Carnival, people start preparation far in advance and after completing the AVD gives a certain satisfaction.
The routes for this event are changed every year, making it full of surprise. It gives immense pleasure to stroll through different neighbors, each with its features. You will see a singing and swinging crowd that is often dressed up in fantasy and colorful clothing. There will be countless stalls on both sides of the streets with the aroma of several Surinamese cuisines that will make you drive insane!