Sinterklaas is an annual tradition in the Netherlands that starts with a grand arrival mid-November and ends with big celebrations on 5 December.
The Character and his Arrival
Sinterklaas himself (St Nicholas) is depicted as a dignified bishop with a golden staff wearing a long red robe and a tall pointy hat called a miter. He arrives in the Netherlands by steamboat from Spain mid-November and is accompanied by his helpers, the Pieten (Petes). The exact date of his arrival varies by year but is always marked by major televised parades and street celebrations where Sinterklaas throws sweets and kruidnoten (small gingerbread biscuits) to children. Traditionally the Pieten had their faces painted black, but since this was seen as racist they now usually sport soot marks rather than full blackface.
In the weeks leading up to Sinterklaas, children leave their shoes by the chimney hoping to find small treats like marzipan, chocolate coins or kruidnoten inside the morning after.
The Eve (5 December)
The main event occurs on the evening of 5 December, known as Pakjesavond (St Nicholas Eve, gift evening). Families and/or friends gather to exchange gifts and the presentation is often theatrical with humourous poems that tease or praise the recipient. The gifts are sometimes hidden in creative places or delivered by Sinterklaas himself with a ring of the doorbell, accompanied by the helper’s footsteps on the stairs. Children leave their shoes by the window or a fireplace on the night of 4 December, hoping Sinterklaas will leave a gift inside. Those aged up to 8 or 9 years still believe Sinterklaas is real.
Sinterklaas is not to be confused with Christmas where, for many Dutch people, Christmas Day (25 December) is a quiet family holiday and Sinterklaas is the festive, gift-giving occasion.
