What is the story behind Sinterklaas?

What is the story behind Sinterklaas?

Sinterklaas is based on the historical figure of Saint Nicholas (270–343), a Greek bishop of Myra in present-day Turkey. Sinterklaas carries a big, red book which records whether each child has been good or naughty in the past year.

When did the tradition of Sinterklaas start?

3 The arrival of Sinterklaas The Meertens Institute says the first intocht van Sinterklaas, or the arrival of Sinterklaas, took place in Zwolle in 1873 when ‘a couple of well-to do farmers had a local prankster dress up as Sinterklaas distributing sweets to poor children’.

Is Sinterklaas the same as St Nicholas?

Sinterklaas (also called Sint-Nicolaas in Dutch and Saint Nicolas in French) is a traditional holiday figure in the Netherlands and Belgium, celebrated every year on Saint Nicholas’ eve (December 5) or, in Belgium, on the morning of December 6. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of, among other things, children.

Which countries celebrate Sinterklaas?

For most children in The Netherlands, the most important day during December is 5th December, when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) brings them their presents! St. Nicholas’ Day is on the 6th December, but in The Netherlands, the major celebrations are held on the 5th December, St.

Is Sinterklaas Christmas?

Important: Although Sinterklaas isn’t a Christmas celebration, it is worth mentioning due to the nature of this tradition which marks the beginning of the winter holidays. Sinterklaas is a children’s festivity in the Netherlands that has been celebrated for over 300 years.

How do the Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas?

Families celebrate Sinterklaas’ Feast by singing songs and indulging in a feast of their own, which consists mainly of sweets like marzipan, chocolate initials, pepernoten (ginger biscuits) and hot chocolate with whipped cream. On Saint Nicholas Day on 6 December, Sint departs from the Netherlands.