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

 What Is Celebrated On November 25 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 November 25, 1975, from the Netherlands. Queen Juliana of the Dutch monarchy was the ruler during the period when the Republic of Suriname gained independence. Premier Henck Arron from the National Party of Suriname did not want to stall our independence any longer and put in the effort to make it possible for the colony of 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're new to my blog, don't forget to subscribe when you see the 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 part of my Story Time tribe, and I will have the privilege of taking you along with me on my journey. As a Surinamese girl, writing and blogging enable me not only to share my perspective and who I am with the world, but also to share more about Suriname with people from different parts of the globe. Those of you who aren't new to my Story Time channel will have already 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 challenging economic situation Suriname faces due to its history of poor leadership, I still love this country. Perhaps 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, which equaled SRD (Surinamese Dollars) 2.90. Today, on the 47th Independence Day of the Republic of Suriname, $1 equals SRD 31.75. However, the bad economy should not deter you as a tourist from enjoying your visit to Suriname, as you explore its positive aspects. 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 I wrote: 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Suriname. Because I had a cold this year, I   didn't go outside to attend the various activities held in and around Paramaribo that celebrate our National Independence Day. Most people traveling in Suriname visit Independence Square on this holiday, where they can watch the Surinamese military and police forces at their annual parade. Another good option for seeing if you are in Suriname during the celebration of their National Independence Day is to visit Palmentuin, where you can purchase Surinamese food from different cultures that are 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're someone who doesn't like to get stuck in the busy party scene, the good news is that we might not have blue beaches, but we do have green tropical jungles that hide 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, and content creator (or whatever you'd like to call me—I'm accustomed 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 mostwidely  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 abolition 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 may have come to this country from other regions of the world, but speaking Sranang Tongo suggests that we share a common heritage. 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 in the world. However, don't worry if you're 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 appears to be tuning in from different parts of the world. Because I leave no one behind who has become a part of the Story Time tribe, I will highlight the meaning of those Sranang Tongo sentences for you. 

* Author's note: I know the currency is now significantly higher. 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!

 ( Surinam,,e 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 past, I'm glad you're free now. However, despite our blessings, there's still much to be done!

Your team is diverse and comes from all corners of the world.

Our ancestors traveled overseas and across 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 here 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 sisters and brothers.

I come from a country where it only takes one drive-through to collect a plate of roti! Where on earth 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 unique.

Your tropical rainforest is a garden with a mind of its own.

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 utilize their people's capabilities. Many talented Surinamese people sell their talents to foreign facilities.

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