Javier, a student from Amsterdam, had heard about Suriname’s vibrant cultural mix, but nothing prepared him for Holi Phagwa. Held in March to mark the arrival of spring, the Hindu festival transforms Paramaribo into a sea of color, laughter, and celebration.

On the morning of Holi, Javier joined the crowds at Independence Square. Families, friends, and strangers gathered, their hands filled with packets of brightly colored powder. When the celebration began, vibrant clouds of pink, blue, yellow, and green exploded into the air. “This is pure joy,” Javier thought as children smeared his face with color, laughing as he returned the favor.

The festival wasn’t just about color—it was about unity. Suriname’s Holi celebrations are a testament to its multicultural identity, bringing together people of all backgrounds. As music filled the square, Javier danced alongside locals to the beat of Bollywood songs and traditional Indian dhol drums.

For lunch, he joined a family he had befriended, sampling barfi (sweet milk fudge) and samosas freshly made for the occasion. “You’re part of our family today,” his host said, handing him a glass of thandai, a spiced milk drink associated with Holi.

The evening brought more music and dancing at Palm Garden (Palmentuin), where Javier enjoyed live performances and cultural shows. The atmosphere was electric, with food stalls serving everything from roti and curry to Chinese fried rice.

As the day ended and the colors began to fade, Javier reflected on what he had experienced. Holi Phagwa wasn’t just a festival of spring—it was a celebration of togetherness, reminding him of the beauty of Suriname’s diverse culture.