Ketikoti for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Saturday, July 1st. There are until the next observance.

Every year on July 1st, Ketikoti, or Suriname Emancipation Day, is commemorated to honor the country’s emancipation from slavery in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its colonies. What does the term “Ketikoti” mean? And why are so many Dutch people unaware of the holiday? The solution is selective history. Many people are unaware that the Netherlands was one of the last European countries to abolish slavery and the widespread trans-Atlantic slave trade. Ketikoti is one of the most important celebrations in Suriname and the Antilles. It is not just a celebration of breaking free but also a forum for the re-telling of forgotten stories.

📆 When is Ketikoti?

This year, Ketikoti is on July 1st. It is the 1st Saturday in July; in 2024, it is on Monday.

Countdown to Ketikoti

Did you know: Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo, is home to about half of the country’s population.

You can also learn all fascinating things you didn’t know about and facts about July 1, 2023.

📜 History of Ketikoti

With stronger and more strident appeals for abolition, humanity triumphed in the 19th century. King William I was forced to impose a ban on the slave trade via Dutch ships in 1814 when protests and uprisings started to jeopardize governmental security. This was a hopeful beginning, but full emancipation remained a long way off. In the Netherlands, abolition proceeded via a number of unclear or too complicated stages. One of the first nations to outlaw the practice was the Dutch East Indies in 1860. Slavery was declared illegal in Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles on July 1, 1863, by formal edict. But Suriname’s citizens could only claim nominal independence. Owners took advantage of a required 10-year transition period to underpay plantation employees. Forcible methods, fines, and incarceration were used by the state to punish rebellious labor. Even compensation for losses will be given to owners. In 1973, after ten hard years of hard work, the Surinamese slaves were finally freed.

Since that time, the first of July has become Ketikoti for the inhabitants of Suriname, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. The “Bigi Spikri” procession, in which participants dress in traditional attire, is the centerpiece. “Big Mirror” is the meaning of the Surinamese phrase “Bigi Spikri.” While walking about Paramaribo City in their best attire, people might pause and enjoy their reflections in giant store windows or mirrors. These reflections are accurate depictions of a free community that is resilient.

☑️ Ketikoti facts

They have left-hand diving
Suriname is one of just two South American countries where driving is done on the left.

The impact of colonialism on language
Suriname is the only country outside of Europe where the majority of people speak Dutch.

It’s incredibly diverse
Suriname is home to diverse ethnic populations, including East Indians, Creoles, Javanese, Maroons, Amerindians, Chinese, and White people.

Things to do on Ketikoti

Sing, dance, and feast
Ketikoti is a joyful celebration of liberation from oppression. Today, dress up, show up, and party like the Surinamese and Antilleans.

Reflect and learn
Some folks prefer to observe the day in silence. You can do the same thing.

Remember the dark chapters
Ketikoti is both a memorial and a celebration. Today, we recall the worst periods of human history, as well as the sorrow and bravery of those who died.

📅 Ketikoti Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 July 1 Saturday
2024 July 1 Monday
2025 July 1 Tuesday
2026 July 1 Wednesday
2027 July 1 Thursday

Explore all July holidays, including Federal and other Cultural holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Ketikoti. So be sure to check back soon.