A Sabbatical in Suriname Trivia Quiz

Answer: Dutch

The Dutch acquired the current area known as Suriname from the British in 1667. Originally a colony within the greater area of Dutch Guiana, Suriname remained under the political control of the Netherlands until it was granted independence in 1975. Dutch is the only official language of Suriname, although the country is one of the most culturally diverse on the South American continent.

One tradition of "Oud jaar" celebrations is the lighting of Pagara, or red-firecracker-ribbons, which is done at midnight on New Year's Eve. Street parties begin around 10 p.m., and after the firecracker ribbons are set off, partying typically continues on well into New Year's Day.

The Chinese New Year is also celebrated in Suriname. Approximately 2 percent of the population is Chinese in origin, from the earliest of the 19th century immigrant workers that came to the region.

Answer: Dési Bouterse

After achieving its independence from the Netherlands in 1975, the newly formed Republic of Suriname installed its first President, Johan Ferrier. His tenure in office ended with the Day of the Revolution on February 25th, 1980. From that point until 1988, the country was under military control, with Dési Bouterse holding the reins of power. The puppet Presidents during that time were Hendrick Chin-a-Sen and Fred Ramdat Misier.

A new constitution was adopted in 1987, restoring Democracy to Suriname with elections in 1988. From 1988 until 2010, there have been four different Presidents, with one of them, Ronald Venetiaan, serving on two separate occasions as the 6th and 8th President.

With the July 2010 election, Dési Bouterse became the 9th President of the Republic of Suriname.

Answer: The Festival of Colours

The festival, which occurs near the end of March around the Vernal Equinox, is a popular Hindu spring festival called Holi, or Phagwa in the Bhojpuri language. East Indians make up the largest percentage of the population in Suriname at 27 percent. They are descendants of the 19th century immigrant workers that were brought in from the Indian states of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Answer: Labour Day

While there are some days celebrated in Suriname for historical significance that are not granted a recognized free day, Labour Day (Dag van de arbeid) is one that is. With the history of Suriname including slavery, and indentured workers, Labour Day is a significant celebration for the working class peoples in this country.

It is more than just a day off from work, it is a celebration of the progress that has been made for the proletariat.

Answer: Lalla Rookh

With the abolition of slavery in the late 19th century, the Dutch brought in indentured workers from many countries to fill the void left by the previous established way of plantation life. Primarily, these immigrants came from India and countries that were once considered the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia, Java, Sumatra, etc).

A representation of Chinese immigrant workers also came in the same era. Both the Javanese and Chinese ethnic groups within Suriname celebrate their own Immigration Days on August 8th and October 22nd respectively.

Answer: Cut the chains

"Keti Koti" translates from Sranan Tongo words as "cut the chains" and it is a celebration of Emancipation Day and the abolishment of slavery in 1863. It did not take full effect until 1873 after a ten-year transition period that allowed plantation owners to bring in indentured workers to take the place of their slaves. A significant portion of the population of Suriname is descended from "Maroons" - runaway slaves (from the French word marronage, which means runaway).

The "Miss Alida" pageant is based on a story of a beautiful slave girl that caught the eye of her owner. The story goes on to tell how the wife of the slave owner was so disturbed by this that she had one of Alida's breasts cut off and served to her husband for dinner.

Answer: 2007

Suriname's geographical makeup has the majority of the peoples living on or near the coast, with 80% of the country inland being tropical rainforest. This rainforest region is the ancestral home to five distinct indigenous peoples, and 6 tribes of "Maroons," descended from runaway slaves. Altogether, they make up approximately 20% of the population of Suriname.

Once a wealthy nation, recent political and economic unrest has made the rainforests of Suriname a prime target for developers seeking new sources of gold, bauxite, and timber. These developments are often done without regard to the claims of the indigenous peoples already living there.

Even as the Surinamese government declared a "National Day of Indigenous People" in 2007, they also voted against the "Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" during the consultation round at the United Nations at the same time.

While progress has been made in this area in Suriname, there is still a long way to go.

Answer: Ramadan

According to census results, Muslims make up approximately 13 percent of the Surinamese population, although other sources place that number as high as 20 percent. Islam first came to Suriname with the arrival of slaves from Africa, and a second infusion came when the Javanese and Indonesian immigrant workers landed after emancipation.

Answer: Independence Day

Suriname achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1975 after a couple of years of negotiations. Johan Henri Eliza Ferrier became the first president of the new Republic of Suriname. Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus of the Netherlands were there to witness the occasion (Beatrix became Queen in 1980).

Answer: Zwarte Piet

Sinterklaas is typically dressed in a bishop's alb complete with mitre, crosier, and fancy shepherd's staff. He carries a large tome inscribed with the names of the children who have been naughty and nice. Accompanying him is Zwarte Piet (Black Pete), who is usually an adolescent in blackface, with black, curly hair, dressed as a 17th century page. Zwarte Piet carries a bag filled with candy to distribute to kids who have been good, and a 'roe' (chimney sweep broom) with which he can spank the children who have been naughty.

December 5th is also now known as Children's Day, and it does not negate the celebration of Christmas on December 25th.