🎆Owru Yari: New Year's Eve in Suriname

Owru Yari, New Year's Eve, is the biggest street party in Suriname. On December 31, the city center of Paramaribo fills up with music, dance, and the famous red pagara's, and at midnight, the whole country celebrates with fireworks. Below, you can read all about the traditions and find all the Owru Yari events that we know of.

What is Owru Yari?

Owru Yari is Sranantongo for 'old year'. The entire last week of December is dedicated to celebration, but December 31 is the big day. Each ethnic group brings its own customs, making Owru Yari a truly Surinamese festival that attracts Surinamese from abroad.

Pagara: the heart of Owru Yari

A pagara is a long roll of red firecrackers. On December 31, businesses and shops in the city center hang up their pagara and set them off around noon. Some are hundreds of meters long and explode for minutes. Afterwards, the streets are covered in red scraps. Around the pagara's, there are celebrations with kawina bands, DJs, food, and drinks.

This is how December 31 unfolds

• During the day: the celebrations in the city center begin. Around 12:00 PM, the first large pagara's go off.
• Afternoon and evening: street parties, bands, and stages. Many people then go home to eat with family.
• Midnight: fireworks across the country and a toast to the new year.
• After midnight: the Owru Yari parties often continue into the morning of New Year's Day.
• New Year: some families perform a nieuwjaarswasi, a ritual cleansing to start the new year fresh.

Tips for a safe Owru Yari

• Arrive early in the city center: traffic is heavy on December 31 and parking is difficult.
• Bring earplugs if you plan to stand close to the pagara's.
• Keep a safe distance from fireworks and watch out for children.
• If you drink, leave the car and arrange transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Owru Yari?

Owru Yari is on December 31, but the celebrations start in the last week of December and continue into the night of January 1.

Is January 1 a public holiday?

Yes, New Year's Day is a national holiday in Suriname.

What is a pagara?

A long roll of red firecrackers that is set off on New Year's Eve. It is the symbol of Owru Yari in Suriname.