Sinterklaas

Lore & Background

Sinterklaas is depicted as an elderly, stately man with white hair and a long beard, wearing a red cape or chasuble over a white bishop's alb, a red stole, a red mitre, and a ruby ring, and carrying a gold-colored crosier. He traditionally arrives by steamboat from Spain, riding a white horse. He carries a big red book recording whether children have been good or naughty.

Reader's Guide

Sinterklaas holds significant cultural importance in the Low Countries and former Dutch colonies, celebrated by a wide range of people including Dutch Jews and Muslims. The festivities begin in mid-November with a televised arrival by steamboat, followed by local arrivals. During the weeks before 5 December, Sinterklaas visits schools and hospitals, and children leave shoes out for gifts. The tradition's link to Spain may originate from 19th-century poems mentioning oranges from Spain, or from the relocation of Saint Nicholas' relics to Bari, later part of the Spanish Kingdom of Naples. Despite this, the feast remains a beloved tradition for many, blending religious and folk elements.

Did You Know?

• Sinterklaas is one of the sources of the popular Christmas icon of Santa Claus.
• The horse of Sinterklaas in Belgium is named Slecht weer vandaag or Mooi weer vandaag.
• The tradition of Sinterklaas arriving from Spain may be linked to 19th-century poems about oranges from Spain.