Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands by steamboat
Source: Kiev Victor
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Sinterklaas: A national celebration for children

Published at: 08/11/2024, 00:00

Sinterklaas is a big celebration for children in the Netherlands. From 16 November to 5 December, people celebrate that the made-up character Sinterklaas is in the country. During this party people give each other presents. Read all about the Sinterklaas celebration here!

Sinterklaas is a celebration about an old bishop who helped 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.

Parents and teachers pretend Sinterklaas really exists

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.

The Sinterklaas celebration begins with a parade throughout the Netherlands

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.

Children put out their shoe and receive presents in it

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.

5 December is a special evening with presents

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.

Special sweets will be on sale around the Sinterklaas celebration

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.

The Sinterklaas celebration has changed in recent years because of racism


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