As you may have read in my introduction, I was born in Surinam. Surinam is a country in South America, just northern of Brasil. In the past Surinam was a colony of the Netherlands. Surinam the only other country where Dutch is the main language.
My Heritage
The colonisation of Surinam is marked by slavery. Lately the descendants of slavery are demanding that the Dutch acknowledge their misdoings.
For me this is a difficult subject. Slavery was a part of history but slavery is also something that some people in other parts of the world are still dealing with today.
It's a shame that our kids are growing up in a world where these wrongs still exist. I try to teach my kids the difference between right and wrong. And not judge people based on their skin color. I want them to try their best in becoming someone who can do good in this world.
The celebrations
On the first of July we celebrate the abolition of slavery. There are festivities in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. A lot of people wear the traditional Surinam clothing called the Kotomisi. It's the original dress of the Afro-Surinam women.
The Afro Surinam people are just one of the many people living in in Surinam. There are also Natives Americans, Indian people, Chinese, Turkish, you name it Suriname has it lol ; ). They all live together like one big happy family. There is much tolerance. The best example of tolerance are the Jewish Synagogue and Muslim Mosque which are built right next to each other.
More culture
In this picture I am getting ready with my mom for a party, the dress code is traditional Surinam clothing.
lovely Kotomisi ladies having fun
The brass basin is mostly filled with alcohol, cigars and parfum.
My next post will be about tourism in Surinam and I will post more pictures showing the beauty of this country.
I hope you have enjoyed this informative post, check you next time and please do not forget to follow.
