by Shanavon Arsomedjo
PARAMARIBO — As soon as the slippers come out of the closet and the beach outfit is dusted off, fans know it’s time for the Summer Beach Party again. On Sunday, Skeerman Beach in Waterland will once again transform into a great musical paradise, where more than four thousand visitors are expected for the fourteenth edition of the annual Tour De Su party.
This edition will be called ‘Painted Paradise’. And anyone who knows the reputation of the event knows that an ordinary beach day does not quite fit into the script. From two o’clock in the afternoon the beach becomes the setting for music, entertainment, dancing and, above all, a lot of ‘summer’ energy.
“Leave the dress shoes at home and opt for slippers that can withstand sand”
Sitting still becomes difficult
Various areas are being set up so that visitors can enjoy not only the beach, but also different musical atmospheres. On the main stage will be grand: an extensive light show, special effects and fireworks. Musically, genres are changing considerably: disco, rap, soca, Brasil Beats, Zouk and bubbling all have a place. Sitting still becomes difficult!
Those who prefer to delve deeper into the house scene can visit the Sand Castle Stage. There, tech house and house will once again be the focus, with DJs from Suriname and the region bringing their sets to the public. This way, visitors can easily walk from a steady beat to another musical world during the day.
Bikini and shorts
But according to Tour De Su, the Summer Beach Party is about more than just music. The festival aims to bring different generations and cultures together in one place. At Skeerman Beach, lovers of different music styles meet each other and the beach becomes a large meeting place for one day. Because there is also plenty to do outside the stages.
The entertainment starts right from the entrance. Visitors can, among other things, use an extensive Chill Area, while even the sanitary zone does not completely escape the festival experience. There, a live DJ provides music all day long.
The organization calls the festival completely bikini and shorts proof. So anyone who has been waiting for weeks for a good excuse to get that striking beachwear out of the closet has one. The message from Tour De Su is clear: “leave the dress shoes at home and choose slippers that can withstand sand”.
Environmentally friendly
Visitors who prefer to arrive by water also do not have to leave their vessel on shore. In addition to the regular entrance, there is a special beach entrance, making the festival also accessible by boat.
Although the festival is mainly about fun, music and relaxation, Tour De Su also wants to pay attention to the environment. The organization is committed to an environmentally friendly festival and encourages visitors to dispose of waste correctly. Recycling bins will be located throughout the site. The request to visitors is therefore: ‘enjoy the beach, but also leave it tidy’.
For example, Skeerman Beach should transform on Sunday into a place where sun, sand and music meet. From the first beat upon arrival to the last song just before midnight, according to Tour De Su, it will be a day full of entertainment, meetings and summer memories.
