Sinterklaas Procession In Amsterdam

If you cannot wait until the 25th December to live Christmas’ atmosphere, you can decide to celebrate in advance, going to Amsterdam the 16th November! Like ever year, indeed, following an ancient tradition common to many countries, in November Sinterklaas arrives and gives sweets and presents to children.

Sinterklaas (Santa Claus derives from this name) is the Dutch equivalent of Saint Nicholas, the greek bishop who was proclaimed Saint, and patron of children (according to the legend, he succeeded in resurrecting children and in saving them from prostitution). His feast is celebrated the 6th December in many different ways, according to the country: in the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas’ Eve is the day in which people exchange gifts, and this event is called sinterklaasavond or "pakjesavond (presents’ evening), but Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam a few days before: his arrival is usually celebrated on a November Saturday (this year on the 16th), and is as important as, or perhaps more important than, the presents’ giving day. The event is celebrated through a great feast, and when he arrives, Sinterklaas is applauded by joyful children. He arrives wearing his traditional costume, which makes him similar to Santa Claus: a red, bishop’s dress, a long white beard, a mitre and a crosier.

Like Santa Claus, moreover, he knows who has been good and who has not, thanks to a big book in which he writes down children’ names and their behaviour. However, he is different from Santa Claus as far as the way he arrives is concerned: Sinterklaas, indeed, arrives by boat from Spain (he lives in Madrid, and children who have not been good during the year fear that he can take them with him to Spain): his colourful boat travels on the Amstel via the Berlagebrug, the Nieuwe Herengracht and the Schippersgracht, and finishes his tour at the Scheepvaartmuseum at around midday. When he arrives, children welcome him, and after half an hour the procession begins, featuring bands and helpers. The parade goes through the city and ends up at Leidsplein around 2 o’clock. Then Sinterklaas goes on the balcony of the Stadsschouwburg and adresses to children, who welcome him singing traditional carols.

This is a cheerful parade which features Christmas figures such as the Zwarte Pieten (black Pete, the traditional Sinterklaas’ helpers), black-faced elves wearing costumes similar to 16th century Spanish clothing. These helpers play an important role, as they hand out sweets to children. The typical sweets eaten in this day are the A chocolate letter and the kruidnoten, small rounded ginger cookies. At the end of the procession, which catches every year the attention of many people, who watch the event also in television, a boat arrives and takes Sinterklaas and his helpers back to Spain.

Amsterdam, which has the reputation of being a transgressive city, does not only offer unrestrained entertainment, but also much more, in terms of art, culture and folk traditions. For these reasons it is worthy a visit, above all in Sinterklaas’ time, to have the possibility to enjoy all the peculiarities of this city. Book a budget hostel in advance, Amsterdam is always full of tourists.

Tickets: free event
Date: 16th November 2008
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

This article was written by Michele De Capitani with support from Youth hostels for any information, please visit hostels Amsterdam or for travel insurance visit best b&b Amsterdam.

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