The 61st edition of the beloved annual community walking and cultural event Avondvierdaagse (AVD) has drawn to a successful close, with a diverse set of groups claiming top honors across the competition’s multiple categories after four days of activities.
Winners were officially announced around 2:00 a.m. on the event’s final day, following the arrival of the largest participating group, NDP, at the BVSS venue. This year’s edition drew more than 5,000 total participants, comprising 9 junior teams, 38 senior groups, and roughly 2,000 individual walkers. The occasion earned additional public attention for the attendance of Suriname’s President Jennifer Simons on the final day, who came out to show her support for all participating competitors.
This year’s AVD centered on a health and nature-focused theme: “Be healthy, stay balanced, every step counts,” paired with the guiding slogan “Nature is our pharmacy.” This thematic focus was reflected in the event’s new special award, a dedicated environmental prize launched in partnership with the National Environmental Authority.
Across the competitive categories, results brought a mix of repeat victories and first-time champions. In the cultural division, Tuberoos claimed the first-place title, finishing ahead of Krin Konsensi in second, Fiamba in third, and Sanseveria in fourth. For the corporate category, SWM took home the top prize, with Medische Zending securing second place. The open general division was led by Legacy Brassband, which finished in first position, followed by the Surinaamse Politiebond in second and Raggaspoiti in third.
Among junior competitors, Libi Trobi Krioro claimed the overall first place, with Strong People finishing second and Biker Politie/RBT/AT taking third. The event’s Motivation Award was awarded to Jong Beko Krioro, which also brought the event’s youngest participant: four-year-old J. Junior, who joined the group for the full duration of the walk.
Fiamba, the third-place finisher in the cultural division, earned a standout honor by winning the Purcy Olivieira Wisseltrofee, also known as the People’s Choice Award, for the second consecutive time. Named for a former BVSS chair, this award is decided entirely by public voting conducted through the event organizers’ official Facebook page. Fiamba secured the win with 28 percent of the total public vote, once again impressing the watching public with their performance.
Cultural group Kujake earned dual special honors in this year’s event. The group took home both the Theme Prize for the best interpretation of AVD’s 2026 core message, as well as the inaugural Environment Prize from the National Environmental Authority, recognizing outstanding commitment to sustainable practices and environmental alignment during the event.