Let’s Learn Dutch: Sinterklaas Explained!
In the Let’s Learn Dutch series I explain Dutch holidays and traditions with insider knowledge and vocabulary to help you on your journey to learning Dutch.
The cherished Dutch feestdag (holiday) of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) is celebrated every year on December 5th. Celebrated primarily in schools and families with young children, it’s steeped in tradition and festelijk (festive) cheer. Sinterklaas has its origins in Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop who was known for his generosity and charity for children. The tradition predates Santa Claus and has its own rich folklore, complete with songs and many playful customs.
Intocht Sinterklaas: “Parading in of Sinterklaas”
Sinterklaas festivities officially begin in mid-November when he arrives by stoomboot (steamboat) from his home in Spain in mid-November, accompanied by his Pieten (Petes)— helpers who are all named “Pete”. Each town and city in the Netherlands celebrates the arrival of Sinterklaas with a parade in which children sing for Sinterklaas while the “Petes” hand out or toss pepernoten (pepper nuts or tiny spiced cookies). Children dress up in Pietenpakjes (Piet suits) creating a colourful crowd of onlookers.
Pieten: the Petes
While it’s no secret to natives, newcomers might be surprised to learn that Sinterklaas is actually 10% about the man himself and 90% about the Pieten! The Pieten are a vibrant, silly bunch whose job is to prepare and then help deliver treats and cadeautjes (presents) to Dutch children across the land. Along the way they like to play tricks and create a bit of chaos.
Children may arrive at school to find their desks have been overturned by Rommelpiet (mess Pete). Or at home they may find their favorite toy in the fridge— Grapjespiet (joke Pete) obviously! But there are Pieten for just about everything you can imagine. There is DJpiet (DJ Pete), bakpiet (baker Pete), knutselpiet (craft Pete) and even stafpiet (staff Pete) who in uncharge of caring for the Sint’s golden staff.
Schoentje Zetten “Setting shoes out”
Following Sint’s arrival in the Netherlands, children leave their shoes by the fireplace or front door with a carrot or hay for Sinterklaas’s horse, along with a drawing or letter for Sinterklaas. Traditionally they will sing a song for him, such as “Sinterklaas Kapoentje“, asking him to leave something in their shoe and thanking him. Sinterklaas is said to travel along the rooftops on his horse while the Pieten leave treats like pepernoten, marsepein (marsepein = marzipan), chocolate coins, or a small toy in their shoes. Schoentje zetten takes place once a week or even daily, depending on the family, until the 5th of December. Children also “set their shoes” at school, afterschool activities, and even grocery stores.
Sinterklaasjournaal: Sinterklaas Journal
Introduced in 2001, a nightly news broadcast called the Sinterklaasjournaal has become an evening ritual that can’t be missed. This news journal follows the mishaps and adventures of Sint and his Petes as they arrive in the Netherlands and prepare for pakjesavond (pakjes = presents, avond = evening) at the Grote Pieten Huis (groot = big, huis = house).
Suprises:
Leading up to the 5th of December, school children rush to shops like Pipoos and Action to find supplies to make a Surprise (pronounced “Su-pree-zuh”). Surprises are a very unique way to wrap a gift. Instead of just a box with inpakpapier (wrapping paper), the giver crafts an object or animal that reflects the interests of the recipient out of cardboard, foam or papier-mâché. The present is then hidden inside and attached to the outside is a lighthearted gedicht (poem) that pokes fun at the recipient and hints at the gift inside.
Surprises are also a fun way for families without young children to celebrate Sinterklaas. They gather to exchange suprises anonymously, similarly to the Secret Santa tradition.
5th of December
In Dutch schools, the halls and classrooms are versierd (decorated) in anticipation of a special visit from the Sint himself. On the morning of December 5th most schools welcome Sinterklaas and a couple of his Petes early in the morning with songs and speeches. He will then make his way through the school distributing pepernoten and perhaps a little gift to each student. Children then exchange “Surprises” and read poems they have made for each other before going home early to celebrate pakjesavond (see below) with their families.
Pakjesavond “Presents evening”
The festivities culminate later that evening with pakjesavond (presents evening). In families with small children, the arrival on the doorstep of a big jute zak (jute sack) of presents is announced by a loud klop op de deur (knock on the door) is the highlight of Sinterklaas.
Whichever way Sinterklaas in celebrated, singing Sinterklaas liedjes (songs), and enjoying traditional treats like chokoladeletters (chocolate letters) and marzipan add to the festive atmosphere, creating a gezellig (cozy) evening that heralds the arrival of the holiday season.