The Charm of a Timeless Celebration
By Jasmine Lin | Culture | January 10, 2025
Cover Illustration: Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam, 2024. Antonie Glaser / iStock
On a chilly November day, Reporter Jasmine Lin joined Amsterdam’s Sinterklaas festivities; in this piece, she shares insights into its traditions and vibrant celebrations.
Amsterdam comes alive each November to commemorate one of its most cherished traditions: the arrival of Sinterklaas. In the days leading up to this event, neighborhoods buzz with smaller celebrations, setting the stage for the grand activities. This year’s events, too, turned out to be a celebration of culture, community, and joy, captivating residents and visitors alike.
The festivities began early, with local storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and small parades held in neighborhoods across the city on Saturday, 16 November. These intimate events offered a personal glimpse into Sinterklaas’s magic, building anticipation for the big celebration.
The main celebration on Sunday began with Sinterklaas’s arrival by steamboat at De Omval at 10:20 AM when Amsterdammers gathered to greet Sinterklaas and his Pieten once again. The boats were adorned with festive decorations and glided down the Amstel River, passing notable landmarks such as the Berlagebrug and Nieuwe Amstelbrug before reaching the Maritime Museum around 11:35 AM. On the boat, Sinterklaas waved energetically to the people lining the riverside, greeting them with the first blessings of the season. The crowd was dressed in colorful costumes and matching outfits, adding to the cheerful atmosphere despite the chilly November air. From there, the procession moved onto the land, winding through Waterlooplein, Rembrandtplein, and Utrechtsestraat. The celebration culminated at the bustling Leidseplein around 2:30 PM, where Sinterklaas addressed the children of Amsterdam, sharing his warm greetings and kicking off the season’s festivities. The Pieten, dressed in vibrant costumes of deep reds, blues, and greens, danced joyfully on the deck, tossing handfuls of pepernoten to delighted children along the canals.
That wasn’t the end of the celebrations for the season, though. Excitement radiated across the city as Sinterklaas 2024 unfolded.
Cafés and shops along the canals set up special viewing areas, offering hot chocolate and seasonal snacks. Traditional Dutch treats like pepernoten and speculaas were available at food stalls, ensuring that everyone could enjoy a taste of the festivities. Christmas markets have also opened around this time. Families tend to plan their days around the events and holiday markets, with children eagerly writing wish lists and preparing to meet Sinterklaas. “It’s a beautiful reminder of the importance of community and togetherness,” said one parent attending for the third time.
Beyond the central parade, the weeks leading up to 5 December, known as Sinterklaasavond, are a cherished time for Dutch families. Activities such as writing poems, wrapping gifts, and participating in surprise exchanges bring a sense of intimacy to the holiday.
Experiencing Sinterklaas in Amsterdam is a highlight of the holiday season, whether you are a long-time resident or a first-time visitor.
For those experiencing Sinterklaas in Amsterdam for the first time, organizers recommend arriving early to secure a good viewing spot along the canals. “First-time visitors should not miss the moment when Sinterklaas steps off the boat—it’s a magical sight,” said one of the parade participants at Leidseplein.
The arrival of Sinterklaas holds deep cultural significance in the Netherlands. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, Sinterklaas embodies generosity and the joy of giving. His annual arrival signifies the start of a season filled with family gatherings, shared meals and the giving of thoughtful gifts.
Sinterklaas celebrations remain a cherished tradition, but they have evolved over time. Recent discussions about inclusivity and representation have shaped how the event is celebrated. The magnitude of the Zwarte Piet controversy has varied across different regions in the Netherlands. Additionally, Sinterklaas celebrations in countries such as Belgium and Suriname have developed their own regional interpretations of the tradition, some of which are also beginning to adapt in response to similar critiques. The portrayal of Zwarte Piet, a traditional helper of Sinterklaas, has undergone significant changes. Many organizers have replaced this controversial figure with one known as “Sooty Piet,” whose appearance does not evoke racial stereotypes. These changes highlight the broader challenge of balancing cultural heritage with evolving societal values, ensuring that the festive spirit of Sinterklaas continues to unite communities.
Experiencing Sinterklaas in Amsterdam is a highlight of the holiday season, whether you are a long-time resident or a first-time visitor. Tourists are encouraged to explore the history of Sinterklaas at various museums in the city, such as the Amsterdam Museum, which often hosts exhibits on Dutch cultural traditions. These displays offer valuable insights into the celebration’s origins, from its connection to St. Nicholas to its evolution into a uniquely Dutch holiday.
With Sinterklaas’s blend of pageantry, tradition, and community spirit, the celebration remains a testament to Amsterdam’s rich cultural heritage. As Sinterklaas himself might say, “Tot ziens” in Amsterdam!
Jasmine Lin is a university student in Amsterdam. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Amsterdammer.
