Sinterklaas feast and Black Pete: a foreigner’s perspective

LEEUWARDEN – Sinterklaasavond, internationally known as Saint Nicholas’ Eve, is a feast, celebrated on the 5th of December, that brings a warm atmosphere during the winter season. This feast is celebrated mostly in the Netherlands and Belgium and consists in a folkloric character, Saint Nicholas, who brings gifts to the children. In preparation, children put their shoes in front of the chimneys a night before and sing Sinterklaas songs. Moreover, they leave carrots and hay, in or outside the boots, for Sinterklaas’ horse. More