Sinterklaas

The picture above is actually of two men that are part of the Royal Union for People's Entertainment. I love how they are looking all stern and the girl in the back is clearly enjoying it all a lot.

Today Sinterklaas arrived in Groningen. Sinterklaas arrives with a boat from Spain (that is where he lives) after coming on land there was a parade leading up to the "Grote Markt" (city square in Groningen). The men above were actually in the parade.

There were lots of kids that had come to welcome Sinterklaas and get some candy from the Black Pete's. Black Pete's are Sinterklaas' helpers and are a phenomenon of older times (the time our countries does not talk about much). Kids generally really like Black Pete's and a dress up like them during the parade. When I was young we were told that if you were bad you would get the roe (hit with a collection of branches) and you would be taken to Spain by Black Peter. I don't know if the emphasis on spanking and abduction still exists. :).

From this day on we can "onze schoen zetten" (blipped by Shin Young). Which means that you place your shoe near the fireplace (or other modern equivalent) with some carrots in it for Sinterklaas' horse and you'll get some candy (like a chocoladeletter) or a small gift.

Some more photo's of Sinterklaas can be seen on this Picasa album.

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Some linklove for nh's 100th! blip (doubt that he needs it, but still :) )