What Is Celebrated On The 25th Of November In Suriname?

Hello my dearest Story Time fans from around the world, in this Story Time edition we are going to talk about the national independence day of the Democratic Republic of Suriname.  Suriname became independent on the 25th of November 1975 from the Netherlands.  Queen Juliana from the Dutch monarchy was the ruler in the period that the Republic of Suriname became independent.  Premiere Henck Arron from the National Party Suriname, did not want to stall our independence any longer and put in the effort to make it possible for the colony Suriname to be transformed into the Independent Democratic Republic of Suriname. This multi-cultural/ethnic country is a part of both the Caribbean and South America.

 If you are new to my blog don't forget to subscribe when you see that Story Time U.F.O. pop-up.  By subscribing you won't miss any of my Story Time adventures that take place inside or outside of Suriname. Become a part of my Story Time tribe,  and I will have the privilege to take you along with me on my journey. Being a Surinamese girl writing and blogging gives me the opportunity to not only share my perspective and who I am with the world but also helps me share more about Suriname with different people from different parts of the world. Those of you who aren't new to my Story Time channels, you will already have noticed that not only is this tropical country rich in culture but we also have a diverse kitchen. For more food-related adventures click here. Despite the difficult economic position that Suriname is in because of its history with bad leaders, I still love this country. Maybe that's because I fell in love with potential or growing up Surinamese has made me focus on the good no matter how bad the environment has become. When I first started my Story Time blog the currency in our country was $1,- equaled SRD ( Surinamese Dollars) 2,90-  Today on the 47th independence day of the Republic Suriname $1,- equals SRD31,75. But the bad economy should not stop you as a tourist from enjoying your visit to Suriname as you explore its positive sides. I mean we are not the first or last country in the world to go through this, unfortunately. If you want to know why you should add Suriname to your travel bucket list here is an article that I wrote: 10 reasons why you should visit Suriname. Because I had a cold this year I didn't go outside to attend the different activities that are held in and around Paramaribo that celebrate our National Independence Day. Most people that are traveling in Suriname visit Independence Square on this holiday where they get to watch the Surinamese military and police force at their annual parade. Another good option to visit if you are in Suriname during the celebration of their National Independence Day is to visit Palmentuin, where you can buy Surinamese food from different cultures that are a part of our community. We, Surinamese people, don't play around when it comes to our food on the holidays that we celebrate.  If you are someone who doesn't like to get stuck in the busy party scene, the good news is we might not have blue beaches but we have green tropical jungles that have hidden jewels within them.  That means that you could also choose to just go somewhere out of the city near a creek or waterfall and light up the BBQ while you find peace in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. As a creative writer/blogger/ content creator or whatever you want to call me ( I am used to wearing different hats in society), I couldn't help but write this poem as an ode to my beautiful country. In Suriname, the people speak many languages, but the two most spoken languages are Dutch ( because we were a colony of the Netherlands) and Sranang Tongo. Sranang tongo literally translates to Surinamese tongue and it was invented by the Slaves who created this language so that the slave owners on the plantations could not understand them.  Sranang Tongo contains elements of French, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and other languages. Centuries later it has become a local language adopted by the other immigrants who entered the country after the abolishment of Slavery in the colony of Suriname. It's become a cool secret language that only Surinamese people know. Even when we meet each other in different countries, we prefer to greet or speak to each other in Sranang Tongo instead of Dutch.

 Sranang Tongo brings Surinamese people together despite their differences. Our ancestors might have come to this country from other regions in the world, but speaking Sranang Tongo expresses that we have something in common. And that is being Surinamese or having Surinamese roots. Leave it to the Surinamese to have their own language that isn't spoken in any other country of the world. But don't worry if you are visiting Suriname, we will speak your language.  Being Bilingual is a talent we Surinamese people seem to underestimate. The poem that I have written contains some parts of Sranang Tongo.  Ironically I might be a Surinamese female blogger but my biggest audience seems to be tuning in from different parts of the world. Because I leave no one behind who's become a part of the Story Time tribe I will highlight the meaning of those Sranang Tongo sentences for you. 

* Authors note: I know the currency is a lot higher now. I wrote this post last year, but I didn't get the opportunity to finish and post it until 2023.  

                                       

Sranang mi kondre mi lobi fu tru!

 ( Suriname my country I truly love you)

Sa mi ab in mi ati na gi yu!

( What I have in my heart is for you!)

Suriname you are so rich in many ways!

With all the oil, gold, and natural resources we could count our blessings for days. 

With your dark history, I'm happy you're free now.

But despite our blessings, there is still so much to do!

Your people are diverse and come from all corners of the world.

Our ancestors traveled overseas and oceans without knowing what the future would hold. They fought, and struggled, so their descendants wouldn't suffer under the reign of those whose hearts were cold.

Let's build a bright future and carry on their legacy!

Let's unite and build a place where we can be happy.

The love from your people I've felt in the form of many different languages, cultures, and religions. It's only in our politics that we find opposition. But when it comes to the way we look out for each other and feed one another, we're all sister and brother.

I come from a country where it only takes one drive-through to collect a plate of roti! Where on Ied we all share a plate of bami ( Indonesian noodles). I come from a country where you can find a piece of Africa and Bali hidden in the South American jungle. A place where the indigenous people share their knowledge. I come from a country where my Chinese ancestors settled and learned how to mingle. In my blood, your diverse history is written. Even the Surinamese people who crossed borders made sure that our country's name would be marked in history alongside them. Your beauty is pure and one of a kind.

Your tropical rainforest is a garden with its own mind.

In it, there are so many treasures to find. 

Home to many exotic animals and the lungs of the world, Suriname is a country to be admired!

May your future be bright and your leaders inspired.

May their inspiration guide them to make better use of our resources and our people their capabilities. So many talented Surinamese people sell their talent for foreign facilities.

No matter what the future brings, I know only death can do us part. Because your flag hangs high in my heart!