HAPPENING 20–23 NOV 2025 | Fenix hosts a four-day programme to mark fifty years of Suriname’s independence. From 20 to 23 November, Srefidensi op Plein brings together food, music, theatre and storytelling, highlighting the connections between Suriname and Rotterdam.
Marking 50 years of srefidensi
Suriname became an independent state on 25 November 1975, ending its period as a Dutch colony. The word Srefidensi refers to independence or self-determination in Sranantongo. The anniversary is a moment to look back at history while also focusing on the future. Across Suriname and the diaspora, the day is observed with festivals that honour the country’s landscapes, communities and cultures.
At Fenix, Srefidensi is shaped through dishes, scents, performances and rituals that originate in both Suriname and the Netherlands. The programme offers visitors a way to experience how Surinamese traditions remain present in Rotterdam’s cultural fabric.
Programme overview
Crossing Tables | Thursday 20 November
This Surinamese edition of Crossing Tables is led by recipe developer and cookbook author Raghenie Bhawanie, who traces the journey of roti across migration, colonial history and cultural exchange.
Wat de wind ons vertelt | Friday 21 November
A theatre performance featuring four women with roots in Africa, Asia, South America and Europe. The production follows their search for ancestors and the stories hidden in their family histories.
Brasadag | Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November
A weekend gathering filled with music, dance, food and craft. Market stalls offer dishes and snacks, while live performances animate Plein throughout the day.
Un Firi, Un Fow | Sunday 23 November
Cultural platform Tailors & Wearers presents new work dedicated to the angisa, the Afro-Surinamese folded headscarf. The launch of the project Angisa – 50 jaar includes new designs and an angisa folding book, created in dialogue with three generations of Rotterdam-Surinamese women.
Practical information
Dates: 20 – 23 November 2025
Location: Plein @ Fenix, Rotterdam
Full programme: https://www.fenix.nl/nl/te-zien-en-doen/srefidensi-op-plein/
The four-day event offers an accessible way to explore Suriname’s cultural heritage through food, performance and shared stories, in the heart of Katendrecht.
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