Sinterklaas arrives

Here is some history on the celebration of Sinterklaas....

Every year, on the 5^th of December, the Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas. What and who is Sinterklaas?

The name Sinterklaas is an abbreviation of Saint Nicholas, who was the bishop of Myra in Turkey in the fourth Century A.D. He had a reputation of being a generous man who helped the poor and needy. He is the patron saint of sailors and merchants, hence his popularity in the Netherlands.

Children are told the story of a very old bishop called Sinterklaas, who lives in Spain and who annually visits the Netherlands and brings presents for the children. Every year, around mid-November, he arrives from his residence in Spain by boat across the sea, to celebrate his birthday, which is on December 6th.

On the evening of December 5, (St. Nicholas Eve) the children sing special Sinterklaas songs. When the tension has built up sufficiently, a big sack or basket is brought into the home filled with presents for the children. Sometimes Sinterklaas even visits children at their own home but this is very rare and special.

Sinterklaas is dressed like a very old bishop, with a long white beard, a miter, a red gown and a long bishop’s staff. In this apparel, the bishop is reputed to ride on top of the roofs on a white horse (Americo). He is accompanied by his helpers, one or more black men, who are all named Zwarte Piet. Zwarte Piet is also known to climb down chimneys, hence the black on his face is caused by the soot of the many chimneys he has to negotiate. Traditionally, before retiring for the night, children put their shoes in front of the fireplace, with a note for Sinterklaas and a carrot as a gift for the horse. In the morning they are surprised to find their shoes filled with sweets or other small presents. Chocolate letters, the initial of a child’s name, are also given.

Most Dutch cities organise a very festive Sinterklaas arrival. Traditionally, Sinterklaas arrives by boat accompanied by a host of Zwarte Pieten. 

today he arrived in our town and we went to the local parade to welcome him

here the kids are waiting for him to arrive

the police (politie) starting off the parade...somethings are the same...ha ha

then came the clowns (not sure what they have to do with anything, but ok)

flag dancing

bands playing

animals.....?!

fire trucks....

more fire trucks with Zwart Piets aboard

more vehicles with Zwart Piets (handing out little dutch cookies...unwrapped....to which my children just stared at the people trying to hand them some....as if. (funny things you teach your kids and you dont even know its deep lasting effect!...ok kind thankful though since we just got over the flu!)

enjoying the parade

at last....sinterklaas is here on his white horse!