Sinterklaas is coming to town

Sunday 17th November is a special day in Amsterdam because Sinterklaas is coming to town. Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) is a much-loved character in Dutch tradition, who looks like a much-thinner Santa but dresses a bit more like the pope. He arrives on a boat from Spain along with his elves (lot of controversy with these characters, Google zwarte piet to see for yourself). He is then welcomed by the mayor, before hopping on his white horse and saying hello to everyone in a big parade. Then on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day (5th Dec), children will leave out their shoes, a glass of water and carrot (for the horse), in the hope that sacks of presents will be left before he legs it back to Spain. The next morning, much like at Christmas, everyone unwraps their presents which come with a poem written for each child, and there are special treats like marzipan, fruit and chocolate alphabet letters, spice biscuits, and hot chocolate with whipped cream. Unless they haven’t been good, in which case it is a lump of coal, and I’m guessing not much in the way of treats. There is a bit of mystery about why Sinterklaas lives in Spain, but there are connections with The Netherlands and Spain way back in history so that might be it.

Spain, on the other hand, celebrate with gifts on 6th January, which is when the three wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus. Children believe that the Kings bring presents to them and they write letters asking for toys and presents, and will leave out shoes to be filled with presents; along with a glass of Cognac for each King, an orange and some walnuts. And sometimes a bucket of water for the camels they’ve ridden. Then Catalonia has an extra tradition with a character called the Christmas log, which is a small hollow log propped up on two legs with a smiling face painted on one end. Every day from the 8th December the log is given a few bits of yummy food and a blanket to keep it warm, and on Christmas Day you whack it with sticks and out come the goodies (until an onion or garlic comes out in which case no more treats).

Ho ho ho 🙂