Sinterklaas: A national celebration for children

Sinterklaas is a children's festival in the Netherlands that has been celebrated since the 19th century. The celebration is based on the story of Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop from Turkey who helped the poor and children. During the Sinterklaas celebration, someone comes to the Netherlands dressed as Sinterklaas. He wears a red cloak, a mitre on his head and rides across the rooftops on a horse. Together with his helpers, the Pieten, he hands out sweets and presents to children.

Many young children in the Netherlands believe that Sinterklaas really exists. Parents help maintain this story by buying presents and sweets and making it look like they come from Sinterklaas. Older children also keep the secret so that younger children can continue to believe. This secret is an important part of the Sinterklaas tradition.

In schools, children also celebrate Sinterklaas. They sing Sinterklaas songs and teachers hand out sweets. Sometimes Sinterklaas even comes into the classroom to surprise the children.

On 16 November 2024, Sinterklaas and his Pieten will arrive in the Netherlands from Spain by steamboat. In many villages and cities there will be a festive arrival. Sinterklaas then rides on his horse and the Pieten hand out sweets to the children.

Many children go to the parade with their parents to see Sinterklaas. Almost every city and village organises such a parade, and everyone is welcome. There is also a national event that you can watch on television.

Starting 11 November, children can watch the Sinterklaasjournaal. This is a special news program on television where they can follow what Sinterklaas and his Pieten all experience on their way to the Netherlands.

After Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands, children put their shoes out for him. They put their shoe by the door or by the stove, with a carrot or water for Sinterklaas' horse. They also sing a special Sinterklaas song. The next morning they find a small present or some sweets in their shoe.

The Sinterklaas celebrations end with "Pakjesavond" on 5 December. It is a cosy evening where families and friends get together. On this evening, Sinterklaas brings a big sack full of presents. The presents are not only for children, but also for adults who participate in the celebration.

Older children and adults often make surprises for each other. A surprise is a gift that is creatively wrapped. The wrapping can look like a work of art. For example, it may be a large box that resembles a popular character or other object. The surprise also includes a poem that fits the gift and the person receiving it.

During Sinterklaas celebrations, special sweets can be found in supermarkets. Well-known varieties are peppernuts, spiced nuts, meringue and chocolate letters. Peppernuts and spiced nuts are crunchy and sweet, and are often sprinkled by the Pieten. The chocolate letter, usually the 1st letter of your name, is also popular during Sinterklaas celebrations.

In the Netherlands, there has been much discussion about the Sinterklaas celebrations. In the past, Sinterklaas's helpers were usually played by white people who painted themselves black. They wore wigs with frizzy hair, red lipstick and large gold earrings. Their clothing was a reminder of slavery. This led to different opinions about the celebration.

The celebration has been modified in recent years because of the appearance of the Pieten. This still causes controversy. Read more below: