Keti Koti Festival

The Keti Koti Festival celebrates and commemorates the abolition of slavery in former Dutch colonies.

No rain on this parade

The festivities begin with a colourful, celebratory procession leading from Waterlooplein all the way to beautiful Oosterpark, where the festival will commence. The procession is named Bigi Spikri, after a traditional annual parade in Paramaribo, and participants are decked out in traditional, brightly-coloured attire.

Remembering and celebrating

After the procession has arrived, a remembrance service at the National Slavery Monument in Oosterpark will be held. And then it's time for the party!

From pop to kaseko

A host of music performances from pop to traditional kaseko, kawina and tambu grace the park's bandstand. Headliners this year include Trafassi, one of the best known Surinamese-Antillean groups in the Netherlands; the Jamaican reggae formation Third World; and Kenny B & Benaissa, who've recently followed up a number-one hit in Suriname with topping the charts in the Netherlands as well.

The procession begins at 11:00 with the music kicking off at 14:30 and running through to 21:00.