holidays and festivals to be enjoyed by
those lucky enough to be in the country
at the right time. Whether travelers are
interested in events highlighting the
country's cultural talents like the
National Art Exhibition, or are simply
looking for ways to celebrate life and
have a good time, a spirit exemplified
during Pagara Estafette, there is
something to keep everyone
entertained.
Brazilian Carnival
Starting off the festival year in February
is the Brazilian Carnival. While the
tradition of Carnival is not one brought
about by the people of Suriname, it has
come to be an annual event. This is
greatly due to the large Brazilian
population that has migrated to
Suriname but is intent on keeping its
own culture alive. The festival is similar
to the one which takes place in Brazil
around the same time, only smaller in
scale. Travelers can expect parades in
the streets, great displays of Brazilian
music and dance, and many food stalls
serving delicious treats.
International Film Festival
Held annually in April in the capital city,
the International Film Festival is one of
the most highly anticipated events of
the year. Organized by the Black Lot
Foundation, the festival brings together
film makers from around the world,
showcasing over 40 films from more
than 12 different countries. While the
screenings are the main event, there
are also several workshops and even
competitions for children to keep
everyone entertained.
Swimming Marathon
July marks the arrival of the annual
Staatsolie Swim marathon, an 11-mile
open water, long distance race down
the great Suriname River. The race
starts in Domburg and ends in
Paramaribo. The race draws together
competitors from both Suriname and the
international community and, after so
many years, has become quite
competitive. Not only is this a
challenging marathon, but it is also one
of the most beautiful as competitors
swim alongside a gorgeous rainforest.
Fete de la Musique
Celebrated by French-speaking
countries around the globe, Fête de la
Musique or World Music Day, is held
every year on June 21st. Started in
France in 1982, the festival's main
purpose is to celebrate what organizers
call 'the magical gift of music'. Free
concerts are organized around the
capital city, boasting music from a
range of different genres. The festival is
also characterized by impromptu street
performances by both professional and
amateur artists, something that can be
really entertaining for festival-goers.
Suriname Jazz Festival
Lovers of jazz definitely need to be in
the country during October when the
annual Suriname Jazz Festival takes
place. Bringing together renowned jazz
musicians from Suriname and abroad,
the festival is a feast of the genre.
Different kinds of Jazz can be enjoyed
including American, African and Asian
interpretations. This festival is usually a
hit with all who attend and is well worth
sticking around for.
National Art Exhibition
The National Art Exhibition in
Paramaribo highlights the amazing
talents of local artists who slip under
the cultural radar for most of the year.
Held at the end of October in galleries
and showrooms around the city, the
festival focuses mainly on the work of
visual artists in the country. More than
simply exhibitions, however, there are
also several art workshops and
interactive discussions with the artists
themselves.
Pagara Estafette
Rounding off the festival calendar each
year is perhaps the most popular
festival of all. Held on December 31,
Pagara Estafette is basically a massive
street party waving goodbye to the old
year and welcoming in the new one.
This is no ordinary New Year's Eve
bash, however, as festivities generally
start at 10:00 a.m. and last until the
new day has dawned. The festival is
characterized by amazing firework
displays and live concerts. Of all the
events in Suriname, this one should
definitely not be missed.
*culled from www.iexplore.com
No comments:
Post a Comment