Keti Koti is an annual commemoration on July 1st in Suriname and the Netherlands. It marks the abolition of slavery in 1863 in Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean. The day is a time for remembrance, reflection, and celebration of the strength and resilience of the Surinamese and Dutch Caribbean communities. Various events are held to promote awareness of the history of slavery and its legacy, fostering dialogue and unity among different communities. Keti Koti emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the past, promoting equality, and working towards a more inclusive society.
During the era of slavery, many Africans were forcibly transported to Suriname and other Dutch colonies to work on plantations. The abolition of slavery on July 1, 1863, symbolizes the liberation of enslaved people and the end of their physical bondage.
Keti Koti is a day of remembrance and reflection on the history of slavery and its legacy. It serves as an opportunity for people to honor the ancestors who suffered under slavery and to celebrate the strength and resilience of the Surinamese and Dutch Caribbean communities.
[On this day, various commemorative events, such as ceremonies, lectures, cultural performances, and marches, take place to promote awareness and understanding of the history and consequences of slavery. The aim is to foster dialogue, healing, and unity among different communities and to ensure that the stories and experiences of enslaved people are not forgotten.
Keti Koti emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and confronting the legacy of slavery, promoting equality, and working towards a more inclusive society. It serves as a reminder that freedom and justice are fundamental rights that should be upheld for all individuals, irrespective of their background.