Paramaribo

Paramaribo is the capital of Suriname and the residents of this district are called Paramariboërs. The area of ​​Paramaribo is 182 km2. Paramaribo is located on the right bank of the Suriname River and borders the Commewijne district in the east and the Saramacca district in the west; in the south-west, Paramaribo borders the district of Wanica. According to the last census - in 2012 - Paramaribo had 234,000 inhabitants. Paramaribo is the smallest district in terms of area, but the most populous in terms of population; about half of the Surinamese population lives in Paramaribo. Dutch is the most widely spoken language in Paramaribo. Paramaribo is subdivided into 12 districts, the center of which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2002. The meaning of the name Paramaribo is of Indian origin. Along the Palmentuin there is a creek, called the van Sommelsdijkse creek. In the time of the Indigenous peoples this creek was called the Paramoro Rhebo or Paramorokreek. The creek was named after the Chief (Para Moro) who lived in the village along the creek. Rhebo is the Arowak translation for river.

There is great variation in the composition of Paramaribo; all population groups are represented. The Creoles are more represented in Paramaribo. After the abolition of slavery, this population stopped moving towards agricultural lands developed in other districts.

If you want to understand the Surinamese in an easy way, then Paramaribo is the place to be. You can experience the relaxed atmosphere of Suriname when you walk through the center of Paramaribo on a normal working day. You can also walk through Paramaribo on Sundays and public holidays to get to know the Surinamese. Several markets are open on Sundays. In these places you can experience the Surinamese in a unique way. Paramaribo is also a unique place to be on public holidays; one of the biggest parties is December 31st. On December 31 you can experience most Surinamese in the city center of Paramaribo. Surinamese people celebrate in an exuberant way to close the year. You can also get to know the Surinamese in a festive way at the Holifeest in Paramaribo. The Holi festival or Phagwa is a Hindu festival that is celebrated annually in the month of March. This religious festival was celebrated only by Hindus in the past. The Holifeest is now one of the largest celebrations in Suriname. Most Surinamese head for the Palmentuin and the Independence Square to celebrate this colorful party with powder.