| | | Sinterklaas is a pre-Christmas tradition celebrated in the Netherlands and Belgium, much like Santa Clause is celebrated in other parts of the world. The tradition is celebrated on Saint Nicholas' eve (December 5th) in the Netherlands and December 6th, in Belgium. Much like the American Santa Clause, the focus of Sinterklaas is gift giving. The holiday was initially in remembrance of the bishop of Myra, which today is in Turkey, "Saint Nicholas." This also explains why he wears a Catholic bishop's headpiece, unlike Santa Clause. |  |
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| | One of Sinterklaas main helpers, who travels with him, is named "Black Pete", called "Zwarte Piet" by the Dutch. Zwarte Piet is depicted as an African and is the devil who Sinterklaas triumphed over and made his slave. Tradition has it that Zwarte Piet takes naughty children with him to Spain if they are bad. If children are good, however, he'll reward them with a gift. |  |
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| Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet arrive annually in November by a steamboat from Spain. Upon their arrival they paraded through the streets in a big celebration. This event is televised in the Netherlands and Belgium. After his arrival, Sinterklaas visits schools and shopping centers. |
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