Some Interesting Facts About The Surinamese
Annual Pagara Estafette Festival Celebrated On December 31.
Suriname
is one of the smallest countries on the northern coast of South America, yet its
population is one of the most ethnically adverse in the region. Its economy is
greatly dependent on its extensive supply of natural resources, most notably
bauxite, of which it is one of the top ranked producers in the world.
Paramaribo is the capital city of Suriname and Dutch is the official language
of the country.
Pagara
Estafette is a festival that rounds off the festival calendar each year and it
is perhaps the most popular festival of all the festivals celebrated by the
Surinamese people. The celebration is held on December 31 and it is basically a
massive street carnival waving goodbye to the old year and welcoming in the new
year. Festivities begin at 10:00 am all through till the new day has dawned.
The
festival is characterized by amazing firework displays and live concerts. Of
all celebrations in Suriname, Pagara Estafette should definitely not be missed.
In
Paramibo, the capital city of Suriname, the Pagara Estafette festival is
organized to climax the past year and usher the people into the new year .
Maximum effort is invested in organizing the event because it is a much
attended festival by the Surinamese people and visitors from all walks of life.
Swit
watra is also another tradition on its own which is performed by Surinamese
people last day of the yearly calendar. The general motive of the festival is
to put all worries aside and look forward to a blessed coming year with
confidence and positivity.
The
sweet water cleanse (swit watra wasi) is made up of water with aromatic
liquids, herbs, and flowers. People either receive the swit watra from a gourd
to wash their face, arms, neck, on spot at the Elly Purperhart on the
Independence Square grounds or preferably take a bottle home for washing or
bathing.
By
so doing , they enter the new year in purity. The people of Suriname are very
hospitable just as their environment. Their cities are also very tidy and their
various hotels treat one with amazing culinary environment, good food, cozy
rooms and good ambience. Torarica Resort among others are some of the best
hotels in Suriname.
Suriname
is tagged by many as an enjoyment hub due to the endless partying and street
carnivals that takes place during the festive season. There are a plethora of
Suriname holidays and festivals to be enjoyed by travelers interested in events
highlighting cultural experiences and seeking to have a funfilled adventure and
Pagara Estafette is definitely one of such .
By
Bridget Anteh.