Holidays: The Heart Warms Up at Food and Heritage

Christmas in the Caribbean

Let us be honest: during the holidays it is usually about food. But in the Caribbean, it is also story, a history lesson wrapped in herbs and flavours. Take for example the famous black cake. This rich, rum-infused dessert is a symbol of colonial influences and the resilience of communities that gave their own twist to European recipes. And who guards these traditions? Right, the women. Whether preparing pastéchi or the delicate johnny cakes, these dishes are passed from mother to daughter with love and precision, often with a touch of humour and a dash of extra rum.

Christmas celebrations in the Caribbean are steeped in history, and it is impossible to tell these stories without mentioning the context of slavery. During slavery, enslaved people were often allowed to celebrate Christmas - not out of compassion, but to avoid unrest. For many, these days were a rare moment of relaxation and being together. And who provided the atmosphere? The women, of course. They managed to create a festive atmosphere with limited resources. Archives describe how they sang traditional songs, accompanied by simple instruments such as drums and flutes, laden with hope and resistance.

Also important: "freedom dances" during Christmas. Women made the costumes and played a key role in the performance of these symbolic dances. Meal was also central: yam cakes and goat stews, prepared with ingredients that were often secretly grown.

And in Suriname...

In Suriname, the holiday Owru Yari plays a key role. This New Year's Eve celebration is deeply rooted in the country's multicultural society. One of the most notable traditions is the pagara relay, in which long rows of shafts are lit to symbolically displace the old year. The red colour of the pagara is often associated with happiness and prosperity in Chinese culture, an example of how various traditions come together in Surinamese society.

In addition, winti-rituals, which originate in the Afro-Surinamese spiritual traditions, have a prominent place during Owru Yari. Women often play a significant role in these rituals, performing sacrifices, singing songs, and dancing to begin the New Year with blessings. Historical documents and oral tradition emphasise how these traditions bridge generations and cultures, strengthening the spiritual and social aspect of the community.

Culinary traditions are also indispensable during Owru Yari. Dishes such as pom, moksi alesi and bojo are often the result of joint efforts, with women playing a key role in the preparation and sharing of these feast meals. Lovely full of stories of colonial influences and the resilience of a new Surinamese community.

Beyond the former Netherlands

An example of the resilience of Caribbean women is Mary Prince, a former enslaved wife of Bermuda who published her memoirs in the 19th century. Her story brought to light the horrors of slavery and played a role in the abolitionist movement. During the holidays, in which family and history are often central, it is important to also consider women like them, who have contributed to the freedoms we celebrate today.

A Look at Future Traditions

The holidays continue to evolve, influenced by modern technology and globalisation. At the same time, we are seeing a resurgence of old traditions, precisely in response to the need to stay connected to our roots. This offers new opportunities to reinterpret stories and habits, while maintaining the focus on community and shared history.

Holidays as a Time of Connection

The holidays are not only an opportunity to enjoy, but also to learn and appreciate. They remind us of the rich history of our heritage and of the women who keep these stories alive. Let us not only celebrate this season but also reflect. Because every dish, every tradition, and every song we share is a little piece of a larger story — a story that connects us to who we are and where we come from.