Sinterklaas

.a. Sint Nicholas. The black dude is his ‘helper’, named Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). They live in Spain, but drive their steamboat to Holland at this time of year to party with the Dutch. Sint also brings his horse, named Schimmel (Mold), with him. On December 5th, Sint comes down Dutch chimneys to leave presents and candy in Dutch kids’ shoes, while Zwart Piet puts Dutch brats into his sack and drags them back to Spain. On Dec 5th, young and old alike exchange surprises, which are handmade presents that have a real present inside. With the surprise comes a rhyming poem written by the giver, who mentions things that have happened in the surprise receiver’s life, while also usually making fun of the receiver’s character defects. Spekulaas and marzipan are Sinterklaas sweets. And pepernoten (brown cookie-like lumps) are what Zwart Piet throws at passersby. But regardless of whether you join in this Dutch holiday fun, the good news is that university will close early on December 5th. (DM)

(Illustration: Juan Sebastian Sanchez, Colombia)

It’s that time of year again: Sinterklaas, December 5th, that uniquely Dutch holiday that’s much more fun than Dutch Christmas. For those foreign students who may wonder what the heck is going on that day, here’s a recap: The old guy is named Sinterklaas, a.k.a. Sint Nicholas. The black dude is his ‘helper’, named Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). They live in Spain, but drive their steamboat to Holland at this time of year to party with the Dutch. Sint also brings his horse, named Schimmel (Mold), with him. On December 5th, Sint comes down Dutch chimneys to leave presents and candy in Dutch kids’ shoes, while Zwart Piet puts Dutch brats into his sack and drags them back to Spain. On Dec 5th, young and old alike exchange surprises, which are handmade presents that have a real present inside. With the surprise comes a rhyming poem written by the giver, who mentions things that have happened in the surprise receiver’s life, while also usually making fun of the receiver’s character defects. Spekulaas and marzipan are Sinterklaas sweets. And pepernoten (brown cookie-like lumps) are what Zwart Piet throws at passersby. But regardless of whether you join in this Dutch holiday fun, the good news is that university will close early on December 5th. (DM)

(Illustration: Juan Sebastian Sanchez, Colombia)