The Dutch festive season officially kicked off on November 17 with the arrival by steamboat of the Netherland's favorite patron saint, St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas in Dutch) and his Zwarte Piet helpers in Roermond. The Sint, as he's affectionately known, was greeted by excited children, who sang traditional songs in exchange for the traditional strooigoed handed out by the Sint's colorful helpers. These treats include cookies and candies such as kruidnoten, pepernoten, speculaas, taai-taai and borstplaat . The upcoming Sinterklaas holiday on December 5 is the most beloved of all Dutch holidays. In fact, the 'intocht' (arrival) is so popular that it is televised live on Dutch television.
Photo © Gaby Kooiman
Comments
Thank you Karin
Iam enjoying many happy memories from childhood in The Netherlands although its been well over 52 years ago that we left for Australai we still celebrate Sinterklaas.
Your recepies on how to make the sweet but naughty borstplaat and taai Taai keeps us busy in the kitchen as we recall the happy Sinterklaas time in good old Nederland. Cheers en Welkom aan de goeie Sint!
Hi Keith,
I’s so nice to hear that you are keeping those memories alive. Happy holidays!
Karin
Guide to Dutch Food