Suriname is a culturally diverse country, and its public holidays reflect this rich heritage. In 2025, Public Holidays in Suriname will offer a blend of religious, national, and cultural celebrations, giving the people of Suriname an opportunity to come together in unity and joy. From Public Holidays in Suriname in 2025, such as New Year’s Day, to religious events like Eid al-Fitr and Diwali, each occasion holds its unique significance. These holidays not only honor the country’s history and cultural traditions but also provide time for family gatherings, reflection, and rest. Understanding these holidays helps us appreciate Suriname’s vibrant and diverse identity.
Public Holidays in Suriname in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Suriname in 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Chinese New Year | Jan 29, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Holi Phagwa | Mar 14, 2025 | Friday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Labor Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Emancipation Day | Jul 01, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Indigenous Peoples Day | Aug 09, 2025 | Saturday |
| Maroons Day | Oct 10, 2025 | Friday |
| Diwali | Oct 20, 2025 | Monday |
| Independence Day | Nov 25, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
| Know More: Public Holidays in Sudan in 2025 |
New Year’s Day
Celebrated on January 1, New Year’s Day marks the beginning of a new calendar year. In Suriname, it is a day for families and friends to come together, reflect on the past year, and make resolutions for the future. People celebrate with fireworks, parties, and cultural festivities. The day symbolizes fresh starts, hope, and new opportunities. As a diverse nation, Surinamese people of different backgrounds bring unique traditions to the celebrations, making it a vibrant and joyous occasion across the country.
Chinese New Year
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, commemorates the commencement of the lunar calendar. The Chinese community in Suriname commemorates traditional customs, including the distribution of red envelopes (ang pao) containing money as a gesture of good luck, family reunions, and dragon and lion performances. In order to ward off evil entities, firecrackers are detonated. The festival is significant for the well-being of the family, prosperity, and good fortune in the upcoming year. Even non-Chinese residents participate in the vibrant events, which serve as a testament to the cultural diversity and inclusivity of Suriname.
Holi Phagwa
Holi Phagwa, celebrated by Hindus in Suriname, is a vibrant festival marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Known as the Festival of Colors, people joyfully throw colored powder and water at each other, symbolizing unity, love, and the renewal of life. The day honors the legend of Prahlad and Holika, emphasizing devotion and the victory of faith. In Suriname, Holi Phagwa fosters cultural harmony, with people from all backgrounds joining the celebrations. It’s a day filled with music, dance, and feasts, highlighting joy and togetherness.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, which concludes Ramadan, the Islamic sacred month of fasting, is commemorated by the Muslim community of Suriname. This day is a time of pleasure, gratitude, and charity, during which Muslims express their appreciation to Allah for the strength they have received during their fast. Mosques are the sites of family gatherings for special prayers, and a celebratory meal is shared with loved ones. New clothing is donned, and gifts are exchanged. Charity, or Zakat al-Fitr, is distributed to assist those who are less fortunate. Suriname’s cultural unity is also promoted by the holiday, which emphasizes community, compassion, and spiritual reflection.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a significant Christian holiday observed in Suriname to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day of reflection, prayer, and fasting for Christians as they remember the sacrifice of Jesus for humanity’s sins. Churches hold special services, including reenactments of the crucifixion. Many Christians spend the day in prayer or attending church services, reflecting on themes of forgiveness, redemption, and salvation. Although a Christian holiday, Good Friday is a national public holiday in Suriname, highlighting the country’s respect for its diverse religious communities.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the victory of life over death for Christians. In Suriname, churches hold joyous services filled with music, prayers, and scripture readings. Families often come together for special meals and gatherings. The day is a reminder of God’s compassion and the promise of eternal life, and it represents the fulfillment of the Christian faith. Easter is also a time for new beginnings, and its message of hope resonates widely across the country.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is observed as an extension of Easter Sunday celebrations in Suriname. It is a public holiday when many people take the day to relax, spend time with family, or enjoy outdoor activities. Some Christians continue to reflect on the meaning of Easter, attending church services and engaging in community events. In Suriname, the holiday is also a moment to enjoy the country’s rich natural landscapes, with picnics and outings being popular. The day carries a lighter, more festive spirit compared to the solemnity of Good Friday and the religious importance of Easter Sunday.
Labor Day
Labor Day, celebrated on May 1, honors workers and their contributions to the development of Suriname. It is a day to recognize the labor movement and workers’ rights. Many people in Suriname participate in parades, speeches, and events organized by labor unions and civic groups to highlight the importance of fair wages, good working conditions, and the dignity of work. The holiday also encourages reflection on social progress and economic equality while offering workers a well-deserved break to enjoy time with family and friends.
Eid al-Adha
The Feast of Sacrifice, also known as Eid al-Adha, is a significant Islamic holiday that commemorates the tenacity of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. In Suriname, the Muslim community gathers for prayers and shares a special meal, often including sacrificial meat, which is also given to the needy as an act of charity. The holiday emphasizes faith, sacrifice, and generosity. Families visit each other, and new clothes are worn. Eid al-Adha fosters community spirit and cultural harmony in Suriname’s diverse population.
Emancipation Day
Emancipation Day, observed on July 1, marks the abolition of slavery in Suriname in 1863. Known locally as ‘Keti Koti’ (Chains Broken), the day commemorates the freedom of enslaved African people and is an important part of the country’s history. Celebrations include cultural events, music, dance, and reflection on the struggles and contributions of Afro-Surinamese communities. It is a time to commemorate the resilience of those who fought for freedom and to venerate ancestors. The day fosters a sense of pride and unity while promoting reflection on Suriname’s history and its impact on present society.
Indigenous Peoples Day
Indigenous Peoples Day, observed on August 9, celebrates the rich culture, history, and contributions of Suriname’s Indigenous communities. The day honors the country’s first inhabitants, the Indigenous peoples, by recognizing their rights, traditions, and cultural heritage. Celebrations include traditional dances, music, storytelling, and art exhibitions that showcase the unique identity of Suriname’s Indigenous groups. The holiday is also a platform for discussing issues affecting Indigenous communities, such as land rights and environmental protection, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity and contributions of these groups to Surinamese society.
Maroons Day
Maroons Day, celebrated on October 10, honors the Maroon communities in Suriname—descendants of escaped enslaved Africans who formed independent settlements in the country’s interior. The day recognizes their resistance to slavery, their fight for freedom, and their unique cultural heritage. Celebrations include traditional music, dance, and rituals, reflecting the strong connection between Maroons and their African roots. It’s a day of pride for Maroon culture and history, and it highlights their significant contributions to Suriname’s national identity. The holiday promotes awareness and respect for Maroon communities and their continued presence in the country.
Diwali
The Hindu community of Suriname commemorates Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. It is a representation of the triumph of light over darkness and of virtue over evil. Homes are decorated with oil lamps (diyas), candles, and colorful rangoli designs, while families gather to perform prayers (puja) to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and happiness. Fireworks and sweets are a big part of the celebration. Although rooted in Hindu tradition, Diwali’s messages of unity, hope, and renewal resonate with people of all backgrounds in Suriname, making it a widely recognized festival in the country.
Independence Day
Suriname celebrates Independence Day on November 25 to mark its independence from the Netherlands in 1975. The day is filled with national pride, with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances showcasing Suriname’s rich diversity. It’s a day for reflection on the country’s journey towards self-governance, as well as for celebrating Surinamese identity and unity. Political leaders often give speeches about the nation’s achievements and future aspirations. Independence Day brings people together to celebrate freedom, sovereignty, and the progress of the country.
Christmas Day
The Christian festival of Christmas Day, which is observed on December 25, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. In Suriname, it is a festive occasion that is celebrated with church services, gatherings with family and friends, and festive banquets. Although it is a time of giving, charity, and benevolence for individuals of all faiths, it also contains profound religious significance for Christians. Many individuals participate in the exchange of gifts, and homes and streets are adorned with Christmas trees and lighting. In the multicultural society of Suriname, the holiday fosters the spirit of unity, kindness, and harmony.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day, observed on December 26, is a public holiday in Suriname that traditionally follows Christmas Day. Originally a day when servants and tradespeople would receive gifts from their employers, Boxing Day is now a time for relaxation, family outings, and shopping in Suriname. Many take the opportunity to visit friends and relatives or enjoy leftover Christmas feasts. In some areas, sporting events or community gatherings are held. The holiday helps extend the festive spirit of Christmas, offering a more casual day of rest and reflection.