Maroons Day in Suriname commemorates the 1760–1762 peace treaties between escaped enslaved Africans and the Dutch. Recognized as a national holiday since 2011, it celebrates the resilience and cultural heritage of Maroon communities, with festivals, music and remembrance of their struggle against slavery.

When is Maroons Day?

Maroons Day in Suriname is observed on October 10 every year.

The following is the list of Maroons Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Maroons Day?

During the 17th and 18th centuries, enslaved Africans were brought to Suriname by Dutch colonists to work on plantations. Many resisted and escaped into the dense rainforest, forming independent communities far from colonial control.

These communities became known as Maroons (or Bushinengue in Suriname). They preserved African traditions, spiritual practices and languages, while adapting to the Amazonian environment.

The Maroons waged guerrilla wars against Dutch forces and plantation owners. They launched raids to free others from slavery and defended their autonomy. For decades, the colonial authorities were unable to defeat them militarily.

Eventually, the Dutch agreed to negotiate. Between 1760 and 1762, a series of peace treaties were signed with different Maroon groups (notably the Ndyuka, Saramaka, and Matawai). Suriname's Maroons thus became some of the first freed Black communities in the Americas recognized by a colonial power.

To honor this history, October 10 was chosen as Maroons Day, marking the treaties that guaranteed Maroon autonomy.

The holiday was officially declared by the Surinamese government in 2011.