Sinterklaas in Holland

Sinterklaas in Holland

Sinterklaas

Black Piet

The Feast of Saint Nicholas is held on December 5/6 in the Netherlands, so Christmas Decorations are not as disturbing to be on display this early. (It is still too early). Unlike Santa on the 25^th, Sinterklaas arrives on a white steed carrying miter in hand with a bishop's hat and lead by a Moorish helper called Black Pete. Known as Zwarte Piet, he is a white Dutchman in black face.  To Americans, it feels disturbing, to the locals however, he is a beloved minstrel figure with no perceptual negative racial component.  The writing appears to be on the wall and I doubt Piet will be around too much longer. 

My first encounter with Sinterklaas was a parade out my window on the Rokin by the palace and Dam Square complete with elephants, music and other animals.  Piet was throwing candy to children dressed as Piet and it was something special to behold.

Can You Spot The Real Sint. Nick?

On the eve of December 5^th, children leave carrots in shoes for Sinkerklaas' horse and receive small gifts and candy as Piet comes down the non-existent chimneys.  Families get together and write silly poems about each other and enjoy a family day.  The kids go to school dressed as Black Piet that day.  You also exchange Chocolate letters of your first initial.

Chocolate Letter

Decline

American television with its endless holiday programming has impacted the holiday.  Santa and Sint Nick look suspiciously similar and Santa is crowding out the local holiday.  Personally, I think that sucks.  Christmas does however spare Dutch children from two days (25^th and 26^th of December) of church.

We celebrate The Feast of Saint Nicholas with small gifts and poems when we remember.  We also bake a spiced cookie called Speculaas for the event.