The Real Santa: Saint Nicholas aka Dutch ‘Sinterklaas’

Part 1 A Bit of Sinterklaas History: From Turkish Saint to Dutch Icon

If you’ve wandered through Dutch shops in early November, you might have noticed shelves packed with mysterious treats like “pepernoten,” “kruidnoten,” and big chocolate letters. Yes, the Netherlands has clearly dived headfirst into “Sinterklaas season” — a holiday that’s kind of like Christmas but comes with its own quirks, characters, and a special arrival that’s part parade, part… flotilla. More about the special ‘Sinterklaas’ treats in part 2.

The bishop from Turkey
The story of Sinterklaas begins a long way from the chilly canals of the Netherlands. Saint Nicholas was actually a 4th-century bishop from Myra, a town in what we now call Turkey. Known for his generosity and miraculous deeds,

Patron Saint
Nicholas was especially revered for his kindness to children and his protection of sailors. Legend has it that he saved sailors from perilous storms and was, in a way, the original “patron saint of safe travels” on the seas. As his fame spread across Europe, stories of Nicholas’s miracles made him a legend, and his feast day on December 6 became a celebration of giving. Dutch merchants and sailors adopted him as their patron saint and brought his legacy north.

Spain or Turkey?
Eventually, Nicholas transformed into Sinterklaas, and his feast became a unique Dutch tradition that’s lasted through the centuries. So, while today’s Sinterklaas may arrive in a festive boat from Spain, he originally hailed from much farther afield — bringing a blend of history, sea-faring lore, and a hearty dash of Dutch imagination to the holiday we celebrate today.

If you want to learn more about this typical Dutch celebration, why not hire a Flowently private tutor? The private tutor can walk you through the supermarket and show you the typical Sinterklaas treats and teach you the Dutch expressions.

Part 2 – Sinterklaas: The Jolly Fellow Who’s Not Santa Claus

Who is Sinterklaas?
Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, is the bearded man of honor here. Dressed in a long red robe with a tall, bishop-like hat, he looks like Santa Claus’s more serious cousin. But we call him simply ‘Sinterklaas’. Every year, Sinterklaas ‘arrives’ in the Netherlands from Spain (read part 1 for more history), typically making a grand entrance by boat mid-November. He’s accompanied by his helpers, often dressed in colorful costumes, and the whole affair is broadcast live. Think of it as the Dutch version of the American Macy’s Parade, but with more canal boats and a saint.

Sinterklaas treats
As the holiday season ramps up, Dutch shops fill up with treats that Sinterklaas and his helpers supposedly bring – although Dutch bakers do the real heavy lifting. Here is what you can expect to see on the shelves today:

Pepernoten and Kruidnoten
These small, round cookies often get mixed up, but both are delicious. Pepernoten are chewy and taste a bit like

gingerbread, while kruidnoten are crunchy, spiced morsels (think mini ginger snaps). Both types are essential for a proper Sinterklaas celebration, and yes, they’re dangerously addictive.

Chocolate Letters
One of the most popular treats, each person receives the first letter of their name in chocolate. So don’t be surprised if you see giant letters of every flavor in the shop. It’s a personalized chocolate experience — and a serious thing, too. “S” for Sinterklaas often sells out, so if your name starts with “S,” move fast.

Speculaas
This spiced shortcrust biscuit often comes shaped like windmills or Sinterklaas himself. Think of it as a Dutch cousin to gingerbread with a rich history. Speculaas has been around since at least the 17th century, and its warm spices are a perfect match for the chilly Dutch November.

December 5 Eve
The big celebration happens on the evening of December 5th, or Sinterklaasavond (Sinterklaas Evening). Families gather to exchange gifts, but not without a twist.

Surprises
The presents are often wrapped creatively — some people go all out with elaborate themes or handmade “surprises” (pronounced “sur-PREE-suh”), often with a humorous or teasing poem about the recipient.

Shop shelve transition
By the end of December 5th, Sinterklaas and his helpers sail back to Spain, their job done for another year. Dutch kids go to bed happy, the treats dwindle from the shelves, and the country transitions — overnight — into full Christmas mode, proving once again that when it comes to festive spirit, the Netherlands likes to keep you on your toes!

Hopefully, this explanation of Sinterklaas offers our expat friends a clearer view of the Sinterklaas fun — and maybe a craving for chocolate letters. When you feel the need to learn more about this Dutch Sinterklaas tradition, you should hire a Flowently private tutor Dutch. Our Flowently private tutors can take you through the supermarket and explain the Sinterklaas treats and help you pick the right presents for your kids.

Flowently Sinterklaas offer
Want to try Flowently with our special Sinterklaas offer? Send an email to info@flowently.com with code: Sinterklaas and receive 50% discount on a 1 hour session with a private tutor.

Published by: Flowently

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