Galaxy Streetparty + Citypix 31.12.10
Paramaribo Year End Celebration
a contribution by Chelo v. Leeuwaarde
a contribution by Chelo v. Leeuwaarde
Event information
Galaxy Streetparty
The Galaxy Streetparty is more than just a party; it is a legacy event that has anchored the western side of the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations for decades.
The Story: Originally established in the mid-90s, the Galaxy Streetparty became a massive collaboration between three iconic Surinamese entities: Cornelly’s Galaxy (the beauty and fashion landmark), Optiek Ninon, and Roopram Rotishop.
The Vibe: Unlike the purely commercial club events, "Galaxy" has always carried a strong community and charitable focus. The proceeds from the event often support local causes, which has given it a "feel-good" reputation. It’s known for high-quality sound systems, popular local DJs (like the legendary DJ Jerry Jay), and an incredibly diverse crowd that packs the street from noon until early evening.
Location: Historically centered on Zwartenhovenbrugstraat, between the Steenbakkerijstraat and Keizerstraat. In your archives, these galleries capture the transformation of one of Paramaribo’s busiest commercial arteries into a sea of people.
The Story: Originally established in the mid-90s, the Galaxy Streetparty became a massive collaboration between three iconic Surinamese entities: Cornelly’s Galaxy (the beauty and fashion landmark), Optiek Ninon, and Roopram Rotishop.
The Vibe: Unlike the purely commercial club events, "Galaxy" has always carried a strong community and charitable focus. The proceeds from the event often support local causes, which has given it a "feel-good" reputation. It’s known for high-quality sound systems, popular local DJs (like the legendary DJ Jerry Jay), and an incredibly diverse crowd that packs the street from noon until early evening.
Location: Historically centered on Zwartenhovenbrugstraat, between the Steenbakkerijstraat and Keizerstraat. In your archives, these galleries capture the transformation of one of Paramaribo’s busiest commercial arteries into a sea of people.
Oudjaar
Owru Yari (Old Year) is the crown jewel of Surinamese culture. It is widely considered one of the best New Year’s Eve street festivals in the world, often compared to Rio’s Carnival or New Orleans’ Mardi Gras in terms of energy.
The Tradition: The celebration peaks on December 31st with the Pagara Estafette—a thunderous relay of massive red firecrackers (pagaras) that can stretch for blocks. Business owners in the city center compete to see who can set off the longest and loudest string to "burn away" the bad luck of the previous year and welcome the new one.
The Vibe: The city center (Centrum) becomes a pedestrian-only zone. The air is thick with smoke, the smell of gunpowder, and the sounds of Kaseko, Kawina, and Urban music blasting from multiple stages. It is a sensory explosion where thousands of people—locals and tourists alike—dance together in the streets.
Core Locations: The action is concentrated around Domineestraat, Jodenbreestraat, Steenbakkerijstraat, Keizerstraat, Spanhoek, and Zwartenhovenbrugstraat. Your archives likely show the famous scenes at Krasnapolsky and the surrounding areas where the "sea of white" (people traditionally wear white for good luck) is most visible.
The Tradition: The celebration peaks on December 31st with the Pagara Estafette—a thunderous relay of massive red firecrackers (pagaras) that can stretch for blocks. Business owners in the city center compete to see who can set off the longest and loudest string to "burn away" the bad luck of the previous year and welcome the new one.
The Vibe: The city center (Centrum) becomes a pedestrian-only zone. The air is thick with smoke, the smell of gunpowder, and the sounds of Kaseko, Kawina, and Urban music blasting from multiple stages. It is a sensory explosion where thousands of people—locals and tourists alike—dance together in the streets.
Core Locations: The action is concentrated around Domineestraat, Jodenbreestraat, Steenbakkerijstraat, Keizerstraat, Spanhoek, and Zwartenhovenbrugstraat. Your archives likely show the famous scenes at Krasnapolsky and the surrounding areas where the "sea of white" (people traditionally wear white for good luck) is most visible.