Sinterklaas arrived in Antwerp today by steamboat. Antwerp is Sinterklaas’ first stop in Belgium and his arrival is broadcast nationally. He always arrives in mid-November because he then embarks on a three week tour of Belgium before the big gift-giving night, which is December 6th. (Christmas Day is mostly for attending church). Children put their shoes out by the fireplace or their front door during these three weeks, usually adding carrots, hay, or sugar cubes for Sinter Klaas’ great white horse. Santa’s helpers, traditionally known as Zwarte Piet, or Black Peter, leave small treats such as tangerines, chocolate, or speculoos (Dutch spiced cookies) in the days leading up to December 6th.
Children can write letters to Sinterklaas and mail them for free through the Belgian postal service, BPost. They’ll receive a reply and a small gift before December 6th.
OK, we have to talk about those Black Peters and Petras. Their traditional costume is colorful Renaissance clothing, large gold earrings — and curly afro wigs and blackface. He’s black, they say, because he slides down chimneys to give gifts to children. The character is controversial for its racial overtones and I thought Zwarte Piet had been replaced with a milder version called Sooty Piet, where their natural-colored faces just bear a few streaks of chimney soot. Apparently, Belgium didn’t get the memo, as these Piets in blackface arrived with Sinterklaas today. However, since 2016, major broadcast stations televise only the Sooty Pete versions. You see both types of Piets in the photos below.
Sinterklaas and his entourage arrive in Antwerp by steamboat.
There’s a grand parade from the quay to Grote Markt. It culminates with Sinterklaas’ appearance at Antwerp City Hall.
Zwarte Piets (left) and Sooty Piets (right).
Crowds around City Hall greet Sinterklaas’ arrival.
Photo credits: LDC Pink