Chinese New Year in Suriname
Chinese New Year is a nationwide national rest day in Suriname, recognized in law alongside other religious and civic observances. Its place in the calendar reflects the Chinese calendar, while its place in Suriname connects a Chinese cultural celebration with the country’s long-standing Chinese community and wider multicultural society.[1][2]
A national rest day
Suriname’s 2021 State Decree amending the Rest Days Decree lists Chinese New Year among 15 national rest days across the country. It is grouped with other days designated as equal to Sunday under the Sunday Rest Act, with the associated legal effects and customs. The decree’s wording makes the designation national; it does not limit the day off to people of Chinese heritage.[1]
The decree describes Chinese New Year as a movable date. It does not set out a substitute-day rule for when the date falls on a Sunday, or specify how pay and individual workplace arrangements apply. Check with an employer or service provider about any arrangements that affect you.[1]
Chinese heritage in Suriname
Chinese New Year is also called the Spring Festival. UNESCO describes it as marking the start of the new year in the Chinese calendar and as a time associated with family reunions and community life.[4]
A statement by Suriname’s president notes that the first Chinese arrivals came in 1853 and recognizes the Chinese community’s contribution to Surinamese society. The National Archives documents Chinese contract migration and its links to plantation labour in the nineteenth century.[2][3]
Celebrations and community events
Surinamese official sources describe Chinese New Year as a celebration shared with the wider public. At a Spring Festival event in Paramaribo in 2023, Chinese associations presented singing and dancing, and representatives described the occasion as one for the whole Surinamese community.[2]
A separate government account of Chinese heritage activities describes cultural shows and performances involving Chinese associations during anniversary events in multiple districts.[5]
Work, shops and travel
Chinese New Year is a national rest day across Suriname and is treated as equal to Sunday under the cited decree.[1]
Check directly with the relevant workplace, bank, business or transport operator for its holiday hours.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Chinese New Year a day off in Suriname?
Yes. It is listed as a national rest day across Suriname and is treated as equal to Sunday under the Rest Days Decree.[1]
When is Chinese New Year?
Do all workers automatically get paid leave?
The decree establishes a nationwide rest day but does not explain individual pay entitlements or workplace arrangements. Ask your employer how the rule applies to your work.[1]
What is open on the day?
Contact the office, bank, shop or transport service you plan to use to confirm its schedule.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Chinese New Year in Suriname:
- Staatsbesluit van 19 februari 2021, houdende nadere wijziging van het “Besluit Rustdagen 1971” (G.B. 1971 no. 77, zoals laatstelijk gewijzigd bij S.B. 2016 no. 14).- Overheid van de Republiek Suriname
- President Santokhi roemt waardevolle bijdrage Chinezen aan ontwikkeling Suriname- Overheid van de Republiek Suriname
- Chinese contractarbeiders in Suriname 1858-1874- Nationaal Archief
- Spring festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Uiteenzetting feestprogramma 170 jaar vestiging Chinezen in Suriname- Overheid van de Republiek Suriname