(no subject)
Sinterklaas arrives to the Netherlands on a boat from Spain and then he continues his journey on his white horse Amerigo. He has helpers called Zwarte Piets who give candies and gifts to kids who have been nice. There is some chimney climbing involved as well.
The saint's arrival to Amsterdam (a few weeks before 5th December) is a scarily massive action. Sinterklaas is welcomed by the mayor with all due honours and then sets off on the ride through the town with marching bands, 17th century shooters guild and police floats with slogans "Do not cross the barriers." and "Do you know where your wallet is right now?"
He is joyously greeted by both excited children and random ex-Dutch students. (I got a flag! He smiled at me!)
Also there are Frisian horses.
Since I had no hangovers this year and did not partake in any dubious stuff (space cakes do not count) I got chocolate, peppernoten and candies. And two books by Diana W. Jones. Yes!
The saint's arrival to Amsterdam (a few weeks before 5th December) is a scarily massive action. Sinterklaas is welcomed by the mayor with all due honours and then sets off on the ride through the town with marching bands, 17th century shooters guild and police floats with slogans "Do not cross the barriers." and "Do you know where your wallet is right now?"
He is joyously greeted by both excited children and random ex-Dutch students. (I got a flag! He smiled at me!)
Also there are Frisian horses.
Since I had no hangovers this year and did not partake in any dubious stuff (space cakes do not count) I got chocolate, peppernoten and candies. And two books by Diana W. Jones. Yes!