Suriname is one of the South American countries that offers different experiences in terms of food, adventure, tradition, and even festivals.

Countries in South America are known for their colorful and festive traditions. And Suriname is among them with its cultural festivals that have been practiced for the longest time.

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Famous Suriname Festivals Worth Traveling For

Suriname has a variety of festivals that will surely gather the attention of foreigners. Like in other South American countries, Suriname celebrates festivities such as Carnival, and they even have a festival solely dedicated to jazz, according to Travels Helper.

To highlight how Suriname holds these public celebrations, here are some of the famous local festivals that every traveler should experience when traveling to this South American country.

Avondvierdaagse

Citizens of Suriname are a fan of festivals that lasts for days. That is evident in their celebration called Avondvierdaagse.

According to Travels Helper, this festival is typically held for four days in the street of Paramaribo. People who participate in this celebration walk and dance through different neighborhoods with their distinct personalities.

This festival is held in April.

Pagara Estafette

If you plan to visit in December, you can witness the most famous Suriname festival every December 31, the Pagara Estafette.

iExplore noted that this festival is a massive street party in celebration of closing the current year and welcoming the new one.

This festival starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until the new day has dawned. Fireworks displays and live concerts make this festival even more wonderful.

Owru Jari

The last week of the year is also a festive celebration week in Suriname, as people gather and have fun in a celebration called Owru Jari.

According to Jirie, the week of Christmas and New year in Suriname is being celebrated at different street parties. Even Surinamese people living in other countries go back to their homeland to celebrate Owru Jari.

During this festival, the capital city of the South American country is closed at 10 a.m. to allow the people to enjoy a big fireworks competition.

City dwellers also come out at night to dance and take part in different events and big street parties.

Keti Koti

Another festival worth noting is the Keti Koti, meaning "broken chains," which is celebrated every July 1.

Keti Koti marks the date when Surinamese people were freed from slavery in 1863.

A parade is usually held during this festival, followed by a remembrance ceremony. Later in the day, the festival is celebrated through music, spoken poetry, dance performances, and even film showing.

Winti Pré

Another notable festival in Suriname is the Winti Pré, which is a dancing rite for gods and spirits in the Creole religion.

People involved in this festival perform various cleansing rituals to be protected and guided during the Obiaman day presentation.

Winti Pré begins with a drumming and singing performance dedicated to mother earth. It was then followed by songs directed to the various other gods.

Through these performances, it is believed that "doorways" open, allowing spirits to enter the area. 

What makes this festival majestic is that participants of the event are also performing dangerous stunts such as walking on fire and crushed glasses without sustaining any injury.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Joshua Summers

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