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November 14, 2005

Sinterklaas is coming to town!

Sinterklaas is the original Santa Claus and he's on his way to Amsterdam from where else? Spain. He arrives next weekend by boat with his Zwarte Piet (black Peter.) What would be seen as politically incorrect in the US is seemingly quite acceptable here. Instead of elves for Santa there are white men with their faces painted black, lips painted red and curly 'fro wigs dressed as helpers for SinterKlaas.

This SinterKlaas has his orgins from the Catholic St. Nicholas (also the patron saint of Amsterdam) who in the 4th Century helped poor women obtain dowery money by throwing coins into their homes. The black Peter is most likely an orphan he rescued from a Moroccan orphanage.

Children are to leave their shoe out with carrots for the horses and in exchange will receive candy in their shoes. The most popular candy seems to be chocolate initials that can be purchased everywhere.

SinterKlass does not arrive on Christmas Day. As an adult I think separating "Sinter Klaas" with Christmas is a great idea to not confuse Santa with the religious holiday of Christmas. I can imagine as a kid I may have a different opinion. Other moms in Amsterdam have said that Christmas is depressing here because of the lack of festivities.

We'll be doing a tour of Santa Clauses this year, checkin' out Sinterklass, JulNissen (in Norway) and of course, Santa Claus.

Posted by jana at November 14, 2005 7:54 AM