Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) in Amsterdam

The folklore

Saint Nicholas has had close ties with Amsterdam since 343. Legend has it that Sinterklaas originally came from Turkey as St. Nicolaus, the Bishop of Mira, an honourable man who was kind to children. No one really knows why he then chose to live in Spain but historians point to the Spanish domination over the Netherlands in the past.

The medieval attire of Sinterklaas’ assistants, Zwarte Pieten, is equally mysterious, leading one to conclude that they must have been stuck in chimneys for an awful long time. Hence the sooty faces and time-warped costumes.

Grand arrival in Amsterdam

With more than a kilometre of floats and boats, Amsterdam boasts the biggest Saint Nicholas parade on earth. This year, Sinterklaas will sail into Amsterdam with 500 Pieten and plenty of pepernoten (small spiced biscuits). At least 300,000 spectators will crowd along the canals to welcome him to the city.

Watch out for the white-bearded legend as he sails into town on Sunday, 13 November! Sinterklaas and his ship begin their journey down the Amstel River at 10:30 and travel past the Nieuwe Amstelbrug, the Torontobrug, the Sarphatistraat, the Royal Theatre Carré and the Magere Brug. He arrives at the Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum) at 12:00, where he will be welcomed by Eberhard van der Laan, Mayor of Amsterdam.

The parade

From 12:30, Sinterklaas trades his boat for his white horse Amerigo, and the parade continues through the streets. As always he'll be accompanied by his band of merry helpers, the Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes), who throw cookies and candies to the thousands of onlookers. At 13:30, Sinterklass will arrive at Dam Square, where the mayor will give a short welcome followed by a musical program for kids of all ages.

After a short stop, he heads off down the Rokin, past Muntplein and Rembrandtplein and then down the Utrechtsestraat before turning right towards Leidseplein. There he'll deliver a special message to his smallest fans from the balcony of the Stadsschouwburg.

Been good or bad?

Once Sint is in town, children lay out their shoes before bedtime, along with water (or wine) and a carrot for the horse, in the hopes that there will be a gift left there by morning. The very good kids are usually rewarded with chocolate letters and marzipan while the naughty anxiously wait to see if they’ve been given coal, again.

Although Saint Nicolas day falls on 6 December, the evening of 5 December is the main gift-giving occasion during the holiday season. Called "sinterklaasavond" (Sinterklaas evening) or "pakjesavond" (presents evening), Sint drops off a sack full of gifts on the doorstep before heading back to Spain.

Following his late-night visit, much like at Christmas, everyone unwraps their presents from Sinterklaas and reads aloud the poems that have been written especially for each recipient. The author of these light-hearted poems remains anonymous. The day ends with songs and a nap-inducing feast, with treats like marzipan, chocolate letters, pepernoten (spice biscuits) and hot chocolate with whipped cream.

Sinterklaas city

In between his arrival in mid-November and 6 December, Sinterklaas makes appearances at various venues including a musical show at Carré as well as visiting hospitals.

After all this excitement, Christmas in the Netherlands is a slightly different affair. There is less emphasis on gift-giving and men in red suits and more emphasis on food and family. Sinterklaas is genuine and truly unique Dutch tradition – and Amsterdam is Sinterklaas City!

The Sinterklaas parade is a real joy for young or old – and a true Dutch tradition. Come see for yourself!