National Sinterklaas arrival to happen in secret, closed to the public

The national arrival of Sinterklaas in the Netherlands will take place this year, but the location will not be announced, broadcaster NTR said on Wednesday. Due to the outbreak of the new novel coronavirus there will also be no public admitted to the event.

The event will only take place if government rules regarding the pandemic allow for it, NTR said. The broadcaster helps organize the event annually in connection with its television news-themed show centered on the winter holiday figure’s journey to the Netherlands from Spain.

"We will make every effort to give Sinterklaas a warm welcome in the Netherlands as always, but in a way that is responsible," the broadcaster stated.

Several local Sinterklaas parades initially planned for later in the year have already been canceled. For events such as the national Sinterklaas parade, the current rules state that a maximum of 250 people are allowed in situations where no reservation and health checks can take place.

However, the restrictions are fluid based on the status of the outbreak and the location of the event. It is also up to the local and regional authorities to determine whether organizers can carry out their activity sufficiently while keeping members of the public at a distance of 1.5 meters apart.

The arrival will be shown on NPO3 on 14 November at 12 p.m.