Ketikoti, also popularly known as Keti Koti, is an annual event celebrated on July 1 in Suriname and the Netherlands. This significant day commemorates the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean in 1863. The name of the day, Ketikoti means ‘the chain is cut’ or ‘the chain is broken’ in Sranan Tongo, the Creole language spoken in Suriname. Hence, the day symbolises the end of the enslavement of African people by the Dutch. Ketikoti is also officially known as Dag der Vrijheden which translates to ‘Day of the Freedom’. It is also known as Manspasi Dei or Prisiri Manspasi, meaning ‘Emancipation’ or Kettingsnijden which means chain cutting. On Ketikoti 2024, know the significance of the day that commemorates the Emancipation Day in Suriname.

Ketikoti marks the date when slavery was abolished in the Dutch colony of Surinam on July 1, 1863. However, enslaved people in Surinam would not be fully free until 1873. On June 30, 1963, the statue of Kwakoe was unveiled in Paramaribo, Suriname's capital city to commemorate the abolition of slavery. In this article, let’s know more about the Ketikoti festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Netherlands.

Ketikoti 2024 Date

Ketikoti 2024 is celebrated on Monday, July 1.

Ketikoti Significance

Ketikoti holds great significance as the day honours the strength of the enslaved people who endured the oppression of slavery. The Keti Koti festival marks the date when slavery was abolished in Suriname and the Dutch Antilles in 1863. On this day, several cities in the Netherlands host various activities, making this day a day of national celebration and remembrance throughout the country.

Since 2002, there has been an official monument for remembrance of slavery in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The annual event serves as a reminder of the injustices of the past and highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 30, 2024 11:09 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).