Keti Koti

Keti Koti officially translates to Dag der Vrijheden, which is Dutch for “Freedom Day.” Every year on July 1st, Emancipation Day is observed in Suriname. Emancipation in the former Caribbean colonies of Europe and certain areas of the United States refers to the liberation of enslaved people of African descent.

History

Keti Koti commemorates the abolition of slavery in Suriname in 1863. However, full freedom was not granted until 1873, as enslaved people were required to work on plantations for a transitional period of 10 years. During this time, labor was minimally paid, and state-legalized coercion was applied to former slaves. For instance, a black person found on the street without a pass risked imprisonment.

After 1873, most former slaves left the plantations where they and their ancestors had labored for generations and relocated to Paramaribo. Slave owners received £9,867,780 in compensation for the 32,911 enslaved people in Suriname. Adjusted for 2020, this amount equates to approximately 250,000,000 euros.

Since 2009, various events in Dutch cities have elevated July 1 to the status of a national holiday and a day of remembrance. In 2002, an official monument to slavery, called Slavernijgeschiedenis (“history of slavery”), was unveiled in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands Antilles, Keti Koti has been celebrated as the day marking the abolition of slavery since 1863, with festivals accompanying the occasion.

Interesting Facts

Here are some notable facts about National Abolition Day, Keti Koti:

• In 2013, the 150th anniversary was commemorated with a monument erected at Lloyd Pier in Rotterdam, a former stronghold of slavery.
• “Keti Koti” means “chain broken” in Surinamese.
• On the morning of July 1, 1863, a 21-gun salute was fired from Fort Zeelandia in Paramaribo to celebrate the abolition of slavery.

How to Take Part

Keti Koti is celebrated with dance, music, and festivities in locations such as St. Martin, St. Eustatius, and Suriname. Participants wear vibrant traditional costumes, sing songs, dance, and enjoy food and drinks as part of the festival.

When is Keti Koti in 2025?

Keti Koti is observed on July 1 each year.

Observations