Traditional festivities

I've already talked quite a bit about Sinterklaas on here, but there's even more to tell... I hope you don't mind ;)
Sinterklaas is a very old Dutch tradition that is fortunately still very much alive in Holland... and old traditions are something to cherish, right?!

On Saturday the good man arrived in our hometown and yesterday we celebrated Sinterklaas at my work. In between the children were allowed to set their shoes as I told yesterday. It was one big Sinterklaas celebration!

When Sinterklaas and all his helpers (Zwarte Pieten) arrived in our town on Saturday he was greeted by many excited children (and parents). Everyone was singing and cheering and all the children were hoping for a handful of pepernoten. Amber was lucky enough to get some.

The Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes) are Sinterklaas' helpers. They are black because they climb in and out of chimneys at night to put presents in all the children's shoes. They carry with them big bags filled with pepernoten which they scatter around them.

Sinterklaas has a white horse called Amerigo. At night Sinterklaas rides his horse on the roofs of the houses to distribute all the presents... no mean feat for such an old gentleman!

The reason why he hands out all these presents is that he celebrates his birthday on December 5th. That's the day that we call Pakjesavond (presents' evening) in Dutch. This year we'll be celebrating with Michel's family. For the adults we buy a couple of small presents and play a game, for the children we buy some presents for them to unpack. It'll be fun... it always is.

This last photo was taken at my work yesterday... spot the 7 differences with the other photos ;)

Read all about the Sinterklaas traditions here on Wikipedia.

Comments

[Jantine]

Sinterklaas is just about the best Dutch tradition ever, I think. I love the anticipation in the children's faces when they meet the old bishop, and getting a present in your shoe (even at 27) is wonderful. Happy Sinterklaas!

[nicolette]

I promised some bloggers to post about SInterklaas, but do you mind if I make a link in my post to your post??? You have such wonderful photos and a great story!

[Emily]

Why thank you so much for this infomative piece. Its always great to learn about other cultures, festivals and life around our little blue planet! Blogging is a great medium. Thanks once again, Mirre! You are doing a great job!

[Emily]

And I do believe that Sinterklaas had a chance in his wardrobe in the bottom picture!

[Emily]

oops, CHANGE!

[Sandra Evertson]

Wonderful post!
Sandra Evertson

[Levineke]

we used to celebrate when we first arrived in australia. but now, it's been 36 years and it's hard to remember when it's not acknowledged here - it's a pity really as it was such fun. instead i try and put up the christmas tree on the day.
i do remember getting the most divine chocolate letters - mmmmm the chocolate was yummy. i guess they still sell them???
cheers
l
x

[Felicia]

Wow! Now that's put me in the Christmas spirit :)

[kirsten]

so cool. thanks for sharing! i probably said this last year, but i like the idea of separating the santa and religious elements of Christmas. probably much less confusing for the kiddos!

[hannah]

your Sinterklaas festivities look so lovely, exciting and traditional. everything about christmas here seems so comercialised and full of the latest popstars and celebrities, we had the simpsons turn on the christmas lights in our small town! I like your traditions better, can i come and live with you?