Suriname Public Holidays 2025
Suriname has 16 public holidays and 1 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 29 Jan | Wed | Chinese New Year | public |
| 25 Feb | Tue | Day of Liberation and Innovation | public |
| 14 Mar | Fri | Holi Phagwa | public |
| 30 Mar | Sun | End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 6 Jun | Fri | Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) | public |
| 1 Jul | Tue | Emancipation Day | public |
| 9 Aug | Sat | Indigenous People's Day | public |
| 10 Oct | Fri | Day of the Maroons | public |
| 20 Oct | Mon | Deepavali | public |
| 25 Nov | Tue | Independence Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
About Suriname's Holidays
Suriname celebrates many holidays that show its mix of cultures. National days like Independence Day on 25 November and Keti Koti on 1 June remember history and freedom. Public holidays also include Labour Day and New Year.
Religious festivals from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities are widely observed. Hindus celebrate Phagwa and Diwali, Muslims mark Eid al Fitr, and Christians observe Easter and Christmas. These events bring family gatherings, music, food, and colorful street celebrations.
There are also cultural festivals such as Carnival and Maroon Day that highlight local music, dance, and traditions. Banks and government offices close on major national and religious holidays, so people plan travel and work around these important dates.
Holiday Traditions
In Suriname people celebrate holidays with family and friends. The country is multicultural so customs mix Indo, Afro, Javanese, Maroon and Indigenous influences. Homes are busy with visits, greetings and sharing time across generations and music and laughter often too.
Food is central. Families cook big meals together using rice, spices, fish and meat. Popular dishes like pom, roti and moksi alesi are shared. Neighbors bring plates to each other creating warm communal tables and festive smells that fill homes.
Public celebrations mix music, dance and religion. Streets fill with parades, markets and performances showcasing drums, kaseko and traditional dress. People of all backgrounds join together, waving flags, exchanging greetings and enjoying fireworks or evening concerts under the open sky.
Travel Tips
During the holiday season many banks, government offices, and some shops close or have reduced hours. Markets and restaurants in Paramaribo often stay open but may close early on certain days. Expect fewer services on public holidays.
Public transport runs but with limited schedules. Taxis and buses get crowded around church times and evening markets. Domestic flights and ferries may fill up early so book ahead. Traffic can be heavier near city centers and holiday event locations.
Plan by checking opening hours before you go. Carry cash because some places do not accept cards. Have flexible plans for delays and extra time for travel during peak holiday days.