9 August
Javanese Immigration Day: 9 August 1890
On 9 August Suriname commemorates the arrival of the first Javanese indentured labourers in 1890; between 1890 and 1939 around 33,000 came from the Dutch East Indies. It is a national public holiday, celebrated most strongly in Blauwgrond and Lelydorp.
On 9 August 1890 the first ship carrying Javanese indentured labourers reached Suriname. Between 1890 and 1939 roughly 33,000 people were brought from the Dutch East Indies to the Surinamese plantations.
The day is marked with gamelan music, wayang, jaran kepang horse dancing, and a very great deal of food. For anyone interested in Javanese-Surinamese culture this is the best day of the year.
Frequently asked questions
When did Javanese people arrive in Suriname?
The first Javanese indentured labourers arrived on 9 August 1890. Between 1890 and 1939 around 33,000 people were brought from the Dutch East Indies to Surinamese plantations. The date is commemorated annually as a national holiday.