Sinterklaas' Arrival

Parool.nl reported that Sinterklaas will arrive for the first time in the northern city of Groningen this year on the 16^th of November. On Tuesday, after announcing this, Mayor Peter Rehwinkel said that his long-cherished wish would be fulfilled. Sinterklaas is the name of a character and a holiday named after Saint Nicholas, a real-life Catholic bishop who was known for his kindness to children. Every year, about three weeks before pakjesavond (presents night) on December 5, Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands on his steamboat from Spain together with his helper, Zwarte Pieten. Last year he visited the southern city of Roermond.