Saint Nicholas
Sinterklaas is one of the most important parties in the Netherlands and is also celebrated extensively in Rotterdam. Every year in November Sinterklaas arrives in the port of Rotterdam, where he is welcomed by thousands of enthusiastic children and their parents.
After his arrival in Rotterdam, Sinterklaas makes a grand tour of the city, often accompanied by his loyal helpers, the Zwarte Pieten. During this tour, gingerbread cookies and sweets are often distributed to the children along the route.
In the weeks leading up to Sinterklaas, various activities are organized in Rotterdam, such as the arrival of Sinterklaas, Sinterklaas markets, Sinterklaas parades and other festivities. Many shops and department stores in Rotterdam decorate their windows and offer special Sinterklaas promotions.
On 5 December, the day of Sinterklaas, presents are often handed out and gingerbread cookies are eaten. Traditionally, a Sinterklaas poem is often read aloud, in which the recipient is mocked in a humorous way.
Sinterklaas is a tradition in the Netherlands that goes back centuries, but in recent years there has also been a lot of discussion about the appearance of Zwarte Piet and its possible racist connotations. In Rotterdam, efforts are being made to conduct this discussion in a respectful manner, with the emphasis on celebrating a fun and festive Sinterklaas party for all children, regardless of their background.
Sinterklaas arrival in Rotterdam
Sinterklaas and his Pieten are looking forward to seeing you again along the quay at Willemsplein in Rotterdam. At the bottom of the Erasmus Bridge, Saint Nicholas disembarks from the Spido and then continues his route through Rotterdam on his horse Ozosnel. The children are treated to ginger nuts along the entire procession and festively entertained with stunt helpers and music. Saint Nicholas and his Pieten walk via the Maritime Museum and the WTC building on Beursplein to Grotekerkplein in front of the Laurenskerk, where traditionally a large Sinterklaas show can be seen with Discopiet, playground equipment and food trucks. The children can also get their Piet diploma here.
Sinterklaas Balloons
Balloons belong to every party and of course also to the Sinterklaas party. We are happy to deliver the nicest Sint and Piet balloon decorations to the children at school or at the office. And the best thing is, we make Piet in all colors of the rainbow.
