Timetable
Be sure to check the opening times of the establishments you want to visit, as chances are they won't be working overtime on weekday evenings, and may even be closed on weekends.
To be booked
For all the trips you make with travel agencies, whether for a few hours or several days , it's important to make reservations and stick to the set times... But don't be surprised if there are sometimes a few (tens of) minutes' delay!
Main events
The most important holiday in Suriname is Slavery Abolition Day, also known as Keti Koti. This day commemorates the end of slavery in the Dutch colonies, including Suriname, on July1, 1863. Keti Koti is celebrated with great fervor throughout the country, and festivities include parades, concerts, traditional dances, commemorative ceremonies and family gatherings. It's an important opportunity for the Surinamese community to reflect on its history, celebrate freedom and emancipation, and strengthen cultural and community ties.
In addition to Keti Koti, other religious and cultural festivals are also celebrated in Suriname, reflecting the country's ethnic and religious diversity, including Phagwa (Hindu festival of colors), Ramadan (observed by the Muslim community), Christmas and Easter (celebrated by the Christian community), as well as various Javanese and indigenous celebrations. Religious celebrations and festivals are an important part of the country's cultural life, and are often a pretext for great parties around the country!
In fact, we couldn't close this paragraph without mentioning New Year's Eve, which generally takes place a few days before the fateful date of the New Year, and sees the streets of Parbo come alive!
Guided tours
Suriname is best explored through guided tours or with the help of tour operators. Even if you're not keen on group excursions, try to plan at least some key moments of your trip with the help of travel agencies (located in the capital): it's almost essential to get to the most remote places in complete safety. Especially if you're not used to this kind of tropical country!
What's very local
Biodiversity is a very local aspect of Suriname. The country is home to a wide variety of exotic plant and animal species, particularly in its vast rainforest areas. The country's unique flora and fauna can be discovered in nature reserves and national parks.