Sinterklaas
So, Sinterklaas is an event for kids where Sinterklaas brings presents. It takes place on the 5th of December, and a lot of kids love it. He has helpers called Pieten, and they come down the chimney.The celebration happens over multiple weeks, and this is how it goes:First, Sinterklaas and his helpers come from Spain on their steamboat to the Netherlands and have a big parade.Second, kids put out their shoes, and the 'helpers' (the parents) put sweets in their shoes and a chocolate letter of their name. On the 5th, the kids get their big presents, and then he leaves again.All the adults are in on it, and it’s not actually all done by Sinterklaas, but it brings a lot of cheer and love with it. You can compare it to Santa Claus, but the tradition is older than him.There is one thing that is less fun about it, and that is the helpers. In the past, people used to dress up as Pieten and wear blackface, but thankfully, we have stopped doing that nowadays.
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