Chinese Arrival Day
🇸🇷 Suriname
- Public Holiday
- Countrywide
- Fixed date
Overview
Chinese Arrival Day marks the day in 1853 when the first Chinese contract laborers reached Suriname, then a Dutch colony. It is observed on October 20 as a public holiday and recognizes the Chinese community's place in the country's multicultural society.
What It Is
Chinese Arrival Day takes place on October 20 each year and is a public holiday in Suriname. It is a fixed-date observance dedicated to the Chinese community, whose members and descendants form one part of the country's diverse population. The day is a moment for the community and the wider public to reflect on the story of Chinese immigration to Suriname.
Why It Matters
After slavery ended in the Dutch colony of Suriname, plantation owners looked for new sources of labor, and workers were recruited from places such as China, India, and Java under contract. The first Chinese laborers arrived in 1853. Their descendants built lives in Suriname and became established in trade and other fields. The holiday acknowledges this migration as part of the nation's story and recognizes the contribution of Chinese Surinamers to its cultural diversity.
Countries Celebrating
1 country
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