December 5 - Sinterklaas, ancestor of Santa ?

The name day of Saint Nicholas is December 6. Traditionally the evening before it's "pakjesavond", could be translated as "presents night". Presents are given within the family, especially for the children.
But it's about more than presents only. They come with a poem about the receiver, generally of a mocking nature. Things that went wrong during the past year, hilarious mistakes or situations. All criticism is allowed, because the presents come from Sinterklaas who knows everything and has the full right to reprimand.
More background info on Sinterklaas and this Holiday.

Entry of Sinterklaas.
The arrival of Saint Nicholas, mid November, is a big event in every village and town in the Netherlands. He traditionally arrives by boat, travelling from Spain where he resides the rest of the year.
In this clip the entry in the small town Weesp, just outside Amsterdam.

Sinterklaas Tutorial.
Sinterklaas explained to non-Dutch.

Exotic entry of Sinterklaas.
Sinterklaas welcome on Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean.

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