What is Keti Koti?
Keti Koti means "the chains are broken" in Sranantongo and is celebrated every July 1st. On this day in 1863, slavery was officially abolished in Suriname, though actual freedom came only in 1873 after a mandatory transition period.
Slavery in Numbers
An estimated 300,000 Africans were shipped to Suriname between 1668 and 1823, working on over 600 plantations. The average enslaved person survived only 7-10 years after arrival.
The Dutch Slavery Apology
On December 19, 2022, the Dutch state officially apologized for its slavery past. On July 1, 2023, these apologies were solemnly repeated during the Keti Koti commemoration.
The Importance of Remembrance
Keti Koti is both a day of remembrance for the millions affected by slavery and a celebration of survival, resilience, and cultural richness.
