Pieten-Petes-Pedros

Time for one more pic from the arrival of Sinterklaas. We're back in Wassenaar ... I certainly wouldn't want to offend any Amsterdam fans like I did yesterday (see comments).

These "Pieten" were helping Sinterklass by keeping the crowd entertained during the procession through town.

See you tomorrow for Theme Day.

Amsterdam's Pieten: Where?Wednesday

Continuing on the Sinterklass theme, this time from Amsterdam where he arrived a day later than here in Wassenaar.

Sinterklass' helpers are the Zwarte Pieten (literally translated, Black Petes). The Wiki entry has an interesting history/theory on why the Petes are blackfaced, but the story I've heard since we've been here is that it's because of the soot in the chimneys.

Irregardless, the Petes are an integral part of the celebration: during Sint's arrival, they pass out licorice or pepernoten (spice cookies) to the children, and generally act boisterous and have a good time. Leading up to the eve of St. Nicholas, they help Sinterklaas leave sweets in the shoes of the children during the night.

I feel it necessary to say that, as someone who didn't grow up with this tradition, it can take a bit of getting used to. But I must report that the kids along the route really enjoyed the antics of the Pieten.

Sinterklass' Carriage

A fuller view of Sinterklass making his way through Wassenaar on his carriage, with his friends the Zwarte Pieten. Yesterday's comments included a question on the Zwarte Pieten which I'll address tomorrow.

For now, a little more for those who aren't familiar with Sinterklass. He lives year-round in Spain, but visits The Netherlands in mid-November, prior to the St. Nicholas feast eve on Dec. 5. During these weeks he makes rounds on his white horse, Amerigo. The Zwarte Pieten go down the chimney and leave candy in the shoes of children, which are left by the chimney in anticipation of the sweets (or not, if they've been bad or forgot to put in some hay or carrots for Amerigo).

More on the Pieten tomorrow, but if you're interested in the whole story check out the wiki entry or this article.

We're back ... with friends!

Just before we left town, we were able to see the arrival of Sinterklaas in Wassenaar. The procession passed right in front of our house.

Here you see Sinterklass in the carriage, surrounded by the Zwarte Pieten.

We'll feature more from celebrations around the area this week. But if you want to learn more, there's a Wiki article.

Each year Sinterklaas arrives by boat from Spain. There's an official arrival city every year (this year he arrived first in Kampen).

But soon he appears in local towns across the country, like his arrival in Wassenaar.

Visit for more pics and tidbits about the legend throughout the week.