Sinterklaas: the tradition that fills children in Belgium and the Netherlands with wonder
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Every year on December 5 - 6, children in Belgium and the Netherlands experience one of the most exciting moments of the season: the arrival of Sinterklaas, a beloved figure who inspires hope, wish-filled letters, and sweet treats that fill homes with the scent of tradition.
But who exactly is Sinterklaas, and why is he so important in this part of the world? Here’s a closer look, especially for bicultural families who enjoy celebrations from both here and there.
Who is Sinterklaas?
Sinterklaas is based on Saint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, known for his generosity. In Belgium and the Netherlands, he is portrayed as an elderly man with a long white beard, a red bishop’s mitre, and a golden staff.
Although he might remind some people of Santa Claus, his celebration has its own spirit and history, one that even predates modern Christmas traditions.
Yes, Sinterklaas “comes from Spain” (which is why he probably speaks Spanish)
One of the most curious and fascinating aspects of the tradition, especially for Latin American families, is that Sinterklaas arrives every year by boat from Spain, traditionally from the port of Alicante.
This detail is rooted in ancient trade routes between the Low Countries and the Iberian Peninsula, but over time it became an essential part of the story.
For many bicultural children, this idea is simply delightful:
“If he comes from Spain… he must speak Spanish!”
It creates a wonderful cultural bridge, especially for Spanish-speaking families living in Belgium or the Netherlands.
Letters to Sinterklaas: wishes, drawings, and excitement
Weeks before his arrival, children write a letter telling Sinterklaas how they behaved during the year and what gifts they would like to receive. Some include drawings, cutouts, or even creative lists with several options, just in case.
These letters are left at home or given during special events where Sinterklaas appears with his helpers.
Who are the Pieten?
Sinterklaas’s helpers are called Pieten. Traditionally referred to as Zwarte Pieten, the celebration has evolved over recent years toward more inclusive and respectful representations, resulting in so-called colorful Pieten, with light makeup or soot marks.
Their role is to accompany Sinterklaas, hand out sweets, help read the letters, and keep the celebrations joyful throughout the season.
Mandarins, speculaas, and chocolate figures: the flavors of the season
During the Sinterklaas festivities, three treats are essential:
Speculaas
Crunchy spiced cookies (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) whose aroma is synonymous with December in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Mandarins
Once considered a winter luxury, today they represent affection and a simple, enduring tradition.
Chocolate figures
Sinterklaas shapes, Pieten, or chocolate initials. Children eagerly expect to find them in their shoes or on the breakfast table.
The shoe ritual
On the night of December 5, children place a shoe or boot near the fireplace or window, often with a drawing and sometimes a carrot for Sinterklaas’s horse, known as Amerigo or Ozosnel depending on the country.
The next morning, they discover whether they received a small present for good behavior, or a little piece of coal if not so much.
A perfect tradition for bicultural families
For many Latin–European families, December is a month where bicultural life is experienced intensely. Children not only wait for Sinterklaas; they also look forward to Christmas with Santa Claus, the Viejito Pascuero, and in some homes, even the Three Kings.
This means they celebrate two (or sometimes three) traditions, enjoy different holiday customs and meals, and yes, what every child loves: multiple chances for gifts.
And here is a detail bicultural children especially enjoy:
If Sinterklaas doesn’t bring exactly what they wished for, or not everything they asked for, they still have another chance. They can ask Santa Claus, or hold out hope for the Three Kings.
For them, it feels like having a plan A, plan B, and plan C. It is part of the charm of growing up between two worlds.
For parents, it is a beautiful opportunity to show them that their multiple traditions are a treasure, a source of joy, and a bridge to their roots.
At BicuKids, we celebrate every root
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Lupe e Isa van a Chile (ES–NL) and Noah, un niño, dos países, mil aventuras (ES–NL–FR)
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