Party trucks, make shift podiums and partying people on New Year's Eve in Suriname.
I'm counting the days... Four workdays to go until my last day at the office. 😁 And then my holidays will start.
I had a lot of vacation days left. Because of everything that's been going on in the world, I had also worked from home for half a year. Seven months to be exact. Because of this arrangement, I was able to manage my own time and because we weren't allowed to go anywhere because of the lockdown, I didn't need to take many leave of absence days. Only a couple of times, because of birthdays and when some personal deadlines were approaching.
I'm not really sure how Christmas or New Years Eve will be spent this year. Now that December has started some invitations come trickling in. But this year will be much different. I do wish to be with family and loved ones. Doesn't have to be all out partying though. I'm happy spending my time in a cozy setting.
I'm just wondering if that December spirit will be felt this year. Usually the whole month of December is filled with activities and there's a special December party committee who is responsible for making up an activities calendar for all sorts of parties and happenings. For everyone there's something to do. I usually scour the free entrance parties and which lineups will be playing where.
And the icing on the cake in Suriname is December 31st. This day starts and ends with fireworks. In the downtown area most of the business owners shoot meters long firecrackers, with smoke going everywhere. It's an age old tradition now here. Furthermore, everybody is in a happy state, with party trucks, make shift podiums and people of all creed and colors dancing harmoniously to the tunes. Every corner has another band or dj playing, so people gather to where their favorite music is playing. People who don't even know each other become friendly and help each other out.
Another tradition in my family is; can't speak for every Surinamer 😅; to be home before 00:00h. to shoot our own firecrackers and or fireworks at midnight and to pray with our loved ones for a blessed new year.
Don't know what this December will bring, but let's stay safe and I'm thinking of using this time to reflect on the past year.