The history of Surinam
Surinam use to be under the command of the Netherlands, this is why we speak Dutch in Surinam. You will be surprised how often I have hear the question what language we speak in Surinam, Well its Dutch, it is also the most dominant language spoken in Surinam, but Surinamese or Srang tongo goes side to side with the Dutch language. You may hear Dutch more often in the ‘’big city” Paramaribo. Moving outside of Paramaribo you may hear the first nation language, Djoeka tongo and many more.
The Netherlands left a rather large foot print behind in Surinam. Walking around in the city of Paramaribo you will see a lots of marks, of when Surinam was on the command of the Netherlands, especially when you walk around the Waterkant.
It starts at Fort Zeelandia, This used to be a place where slaves entered Surinam. The building still stands and is well preserved. Like most buildings in the area of de waterkant. There is one that is completely ruined unfortunately due to a fire, my father used to tell me that was an old prison. It was also never resorted.
Next to fort Zeelandia there is an statue of the old empress Wilhelmina, she is facing the Surinam river, and her back the now called the precedential palace and the independence square. Under the Dutch ruling the was the governor palace. The Netherlands ruled Surinam for a really long time in Surinam until 25 November 1975 this when the independence was signed by the first own parliament of Surinam. From all of the countries the Netherlands had under her commend Surinam was the first and only country that singed there independence.
Visiting Surinam you MUST have a stroll around the Waterkant on your list, but there is more fort Zeelandia and surrounding buildings, the presidential palace, Palmen tuin (called after the palm trees rapidly in the garden), the Palmen is a must in Ingi day ( this is an special day for the first nation people), independence day and Keti koti ( the end of slavery). The garden will be full with people that are selling their handcraft works, arts, Food (most of the time its food that is form their culture/ tribe), different kinds of music. It’s always so warm and festive.
See you next time !!