Sinterklaas in Rotterdam

This is a backdated post.

Shenny joined in the Dutch tradition to greet the arrival of Sinterklaas in Rotterdam on 13th November 2010. 

On that day, Shenny was excitedly waited at a port for she was told the Sinterklaas would arrived by steamboat and he came from Spain.   There was a big crowd, so papa chose to stand at the higher place, so that we could see clearly when the steamboat came.  There were some singing performances on the stages too.  All songs sang were in Dutch, however Shenny could grab some simple choros they sang. These songs were about chrismas.

Finally, we saw a steamboat approaching the port.  Everyone cheered when the steamboat docked at the port.  The Sinterklaas was accompanied by lots of people dressed up special costume and these people had painted their faces with black colour.

People gathered at a port to greet the arrival of Sinterklaas.

Papa told Shenny that those people are called as Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). They were helpers of Sinterklaas. They helped Sinterklaas to chase away bad people.  On the day of arrival of the Sinterklaas, Zwarte Piet normally would distribute lots of traditional Dutch cookies namely as Peppernoten to all children.  So, Shenny got her share too on that day.

Shenny received some peppernoten from Black Pete.

After the Sinterklaas got off from the steamboat, he soon announced the beginning of festivities and said that children could receive their presents on that night with a big sock hanging next to their beds. 
Then he rode on a horse to lead a little parade to go around the Rotterdam town.  We followed behind them for a very short distance and then left for next itenary.

When mommy googled about the history of The Sinterklaas, there were many versions about it.  If aunties and uncles are interested to find out, may check this up at wikipedia.org (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus).

Some pictures taken on that morning:

Shenny was happily taking pictures with few Black Pete.

Sinterklaas sat on the stage.

Behind Shenny were those traditional soldiers to guard the Sinterklaas around Rotterdam.

Shenny hold her nose because horses stool were very stink.

Some Black Pete played beautiful musics.

Some Black Pete had to follow behind to collect horses stool too. :)