The canals were lined with Dutch children rejoicing as small boats slowly paraded toward them, the air filled with welcoming songs as Sinterklaas made his appearance in Utrecht. Boats with helpers dressed in bright colors played instruments that echoed across the city center. Families sang together, waved, and yelled trying to get 'Sint' to look their way. Peering between the parked bikes and wall of Dutch fathers with children on their already high shoulders I saw him, the old man all dressed in red, long white beard, topped with a pointy hat. According to the research I have done, Sinterklaas is based on the well-known Saint Nicolas that originated in Myra - present day Turkey. Unlike the American Santa, this traditional Dutch icon arrives in the country mid-November from Spain by steamboat to kick start the celebration. Throughout the next few weeks he parades his way from town to town across the Netherlands with his trusty steed, Amerigo. His horse isn’t the only companion on this mighty journey. His main helper Zwarte Piet (“Black Pete”) accompanies him to assist in diving down the chimneys to give children their presents. Traditionally this character was a chimney sweeper who would spank children with his broom if they had been naughty. For many years the character was black-faced to show the suet from the many chimneys. Today, Black Pete has been the center of many recent conversations about racism. The character has been modified depending on conservative views of each city. My experience began with the arrival of Sinterklaas in Groningen, a small city in the northern region of the country. I attended a day trip with ESN, a student group that plans activities for individuals on exchange, that took us to Westerbork a transit conservation camp and the city of Groningen. Read more about my adventure at Westerbork in my up coming post. According to our friendly Dutch tour guides (ESN team members), “Groningen has the highest student population density in the Netherlands, making it the youngest city: with most people between 20-24 years old. The city is ahead in the areas of research, innovation and entrepreneurship it is a real city of talent that is underrated by most tourists!” The celebration of Sinterklaas arriving in Groningen was huge. Festive music was ringing everywhere as Sint and Amerigo paraded down the street lined with parents and children patiently waiting for their festive treats handed out by the face painted helpers. I was in shock seeing the Black Pete character for the first time in person. I had many conversations in class with Dutch and other exchange students about it but was still a little taken back by it. That didn’t stop me from enjoying my time during this Dutch celebration. The group climbed the Martini Tower and ventured around the beautifully decorated city. The next day, back ‘home’ in Utrecht, Sinterklaas was arriving by the boat in the canals. I was excited for another opportunity to see Sint and juxtapose the celebration with the one I had experienced the day prior on the other side of the country. As you may have guessed by the opening paragraph, it was colorful, joyous, and overall a wonderful experience. Overall the celebrations were very similar from Groningen and Utrecht. After his arrival at the canals Sint made his way through Utrecht with a large parade of festive helpers, dancers, and band members. That was only the celebration of his arrival. Unlike where I grew up with in Michigan, the Dutch celebrate their ‘Christmas’ on December 6 which is the name day of Sinterklaas or simply his birthday. Depending on what part of the country they’re in, Dutch families will get together and exchange presents either in the evening of Dec. 5 or the morning on Dec. 6. For December 25, some Dutch families have adopted the Christmas celebration from the United States but for the children Sinterklaas is the main man of their holiday.
The arrival of Sinterklaas is a celebration I will remember forever. It was beautiful to be a small part of something that dates back many years and experience the joys and wonders of this traditional Dutch holiday. Until next time, Katie Marie
3 Comments
12/5/2017 12:21:20 pm
Thanks Katie for sharing. This is where my family was from, and I very much enjoyed the read. Happy holidays to you!
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Clare Kwant
12/5/2017 02:33:31 pm
Many vivid memories during my life in Groningen!
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Fred kwant
12/6/2017 07:47:43 am
Another Kwant here...in Texas....thanks for your story ....I have many memories of that yearly event!
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Katie MariePublic Relations | Passionate | Adventure Taker Listings
December 2017
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