The mild and sunny days may make you think otherwise, but the end of the year is approaching. This means that a number of old Dutch traditions are just around the corner. Some customs are celebrated throughout the country, while others are more regional.
11 November – Sint-Maarten (Saint Martin's Day)
It is not entirely clear why we celebrate Sint-Maarten the way we do. There are various stories about this, and each region does it a little differently. But light is central to the celebration.
The most common custom is a lantern parade, in which children carry their own decorated lanterns through the streets. Another custom is to go door to door with these lanterns, singing typical Sint-Maarten songs and receiving sweets or fruit in return.
5 December – Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas)
On the 5th of December, we celebrate Sinterklaas' birthday with Pakjesavond, or “present evening”. An evening filled with presents, poems and sometimes handicraft creations.
Pakjesavond is preceded by several exciting weeks for children. Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands from Spain by steamboat in mid-November. His journey and time in the Netherlands can be followed on the ‘Sinterklaasjournaal’. If you have children, get ready for the daily episodes. It's also a great way to practise your Dutch.
The arrival of Sinterklaas in the Netherlands is celebrated in many places with a Sinterklaas parade, where Sinterklaas rides through the city on his horse, accompanied by his fun and athletic helpers. They hand out sweets and sing songs. And from the moment Sinterklaas arrives in the country, another tradition begins: children are allowed to put their shoes out. These are placed by the fireplace or door, with a drawing for Sinterklaas and a treat for his horse. If they are lucky, the drawing and treat will be exchanged for a small gift by the next morning.
6 January – Driekoningen (Three Kings)
Driekoningen is celebrated on the 6th of January. It is a tradition similar to Sint-Maarten. The main difference is that Driekoningen is linked to Christianity. It is a reference to the three kings or wise men who visited Jesus shortly after his birth.
On Driekoningen, children also go door to door, but dressed as one of the three kings. They sometimes carry a large star with them as a reference to the bright star that guided the three wise men.