Halloween is rapidly becoming one of the most celebrated events in Suriname, captivating locals with its blend of excitement and spine-chilling thrills. At the heart of the festivities is the ‘haunted house’ in the historic Vaco building, where groups of daring visitors immerse themselves in an adrenaline-pumping experience. For some, it’s “pure fun,” while others admit it takes a moment for their “spirit to return.” A cameraman, drenched in sweat but relieved, shared his survival tip: “Leave your heart outside before entering. Only retrieve it when you leave, because inside, it stops beating!”
Steven Sardjoe, the ‘Horror Director’ behind the event, highlights the rapid growth of Halloween in Suriname. “We started three years ago, with a one-year pause due to its overlap with Divali. The demand for adrenaline-fueled experiences has skyrocketed. Horror films have a massive following, and more businesses are joining in with Halloween-themed promotions and events.” Sardjoe describes the event as a total immersion: “This is for thrill-seekers. We provide an escape from reality, using special effects to deliver good, old-fashioned scares.”
The celebrations extend beyond the Vaco building to Utopia Heritage, with both venues pulling out all the stops. The Vaco event runs through November 1, while Utopia extends the fun by an extra day. For Sardjoe, the event is not just about entertainment but also a platform for young actors. “A whole group of young people are thriving in their roles, coinciding with the rise of cosplay, where fans dress as their favorite characters. We held auditions and spent four months preparing to deliver a top-notch production.”
Addressing criticism that Halloween “doesn’t fit” Surinamese culture, Sardjoe remains calm but resolute. “We’re not focused on Satan or demons. Halloween has Celtic roots and evolved into a global celebration through American influence. It even has connections to Christianity. Critics should Google what Halloween truly means.” He adds with a laugh, “People say we’re adopting Western traditions, but we also celebrate Christmas with Santa Claus—a figure popularized by Coca-Cola. No one stops wearing their Nikes. I don’t understand the criticism. Just come and experience it for yourself.”