St Nicholas' Eve/Sinterklaas in the Netherlands

History

• Origin: St. Nicholas' Eve, known as Sinterklaas, is celebrated on December 5th in the Netherlands. It has its roots in the feast day of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, which falls on December 6th.
• Evolution: Over time, the tradition evolved from a religious feast to a family-oriented holiday, incorporating elements such as gift-giving and festive characters.

Traditions

• Arrival of Sinterklaas: Traditionally, Sinterklaas arrives from Spain by steamboat in mid-November, greeted with parades and festivities in towns across the Netherlands.
• Zwarte Piet: Sinterklaas is accompanied by helpers known as Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). This character has been the subject of controversy and discussions about racial insensitivity.
• Shoe Placing: In the weeks leading up to December 5th, children place their shoes by the fireplace or window with a carrot or hay for Sinterklaas' horse and hope to find small gifts and sweets inside them the next morning.
• Poems and Riddles: Gifts are often accompanied by humorous poems or riddles that gently tease the recipient about their behavior over the past year.

Activities on December 5th

• Gift Exchange: The evening of December 5th, known as 'Pakjesavond' (Gift Evening), is when families exchange gifts.
• Special Treats: Traditional treats include pepernoten (small spiced cookies), speculaas (spiced biscuits), chocolate letters representing recipients' initials, and marzipan figures.
• Farewell to Sinterklaas: After celebrations conclude on St. Nicholas' Eve, Sinterklaas departs quietly for Spain.

The holiday focuses on warmth, fun, and family bonding rather than commercialism. It serves as a prelude to Christmas celebrations that take place later in December.