Autumn is a warm season’ in the Netherlands. Perhaps it is not always the case from a climate point of view, but the same certainly applies to events for families and children. If you have lived here for a long time you know how to celebrate Halloween, Sint Maarten e Sinterklaas. However, if you have recently moved, the demands of the school and the neighbors may leave you with many doubts, so this little guide is right for you!
Halloween: October 31st
It is a typical celebration in the United States, as we know, but now also very well known here in the Netherlands. In this period it is now common to see themed initiatives in schools, in buurthuis (neighbourhood centres) or in playgrounds. If you live in the areas closest to Vondelpark and the center of Amsterdam, where numerous families of American origin reside, it is even more likely that, on the afternoon or evening of October 31st, little witches, vampires and ghosts will come knocking on your door in looking for a trick or treat… Be careful! And be prepared with sweets or small surprises ready near the door.
A pinch of history
The word Halloween was born around 1745 and means "Evening of the Saints". It is a popular festival of Celtic origin: these people thought that on the night of October 31st the deceased returned from their kingdom to visit the world of the living. Legend then tells of an old drunkard who managed to deceive the devil over and over again. As punishment after his death he was not welcomed either into heaven or hell, but found himself wandering with a piece of coal in a turnip forever. This man takes the name of Jack O’Lantern. We therefore advise you to carve a pumpkin with a lit candle inside, if you don't want to find it on your doorstep on the last night of October!
Sint Maarten: November 11
Sint Maarten is celebrated every November 11th and is properly the feast of Saint Martin. This holiday is very popular in the Netherlands, especially up to the age of 8-10. In fact, both in kindergarten and at school, children prepare their own paper lantern, with which you can walk around the neighborhood singing for the neighbors typical songs in exchange for sweets and fruit. So you shouldn't be surprised if the offers of sweets in the shops continue into November and the school asks you to get your children a ‘lantern stick'. It is the small lantern needed to create the lantern and you can find it in all major supermarkets and stores. It could also happen that the parents of friends and classmates invite you to take part in the parade together with the child. This is why it is useful to know the traditional songs and reread our article from last year: Celebrating Sint Maarten in the Netherlands.
If you stay at home, stock up on tangerines and sweets for the children who will come by to sing for you and leave a light on to invite them to knock.
A pinch of history
According to legend, during a cold and rainy day in November Martin of Tours met a naked and trembling beggar on the street to whom he generously offered his cloak. From that moment the sun returned to shine in an infinite blue sky, with the aim of remembering how important sharing and generosity are.
Sinterklaas: November 17 – December 6
Sinterklaas, which stands for Sint Nicolaas, is celebrated between 5 and 6 December and is the equivalent of our Saint Nicholas. In the Netherlands they also celebrate Christmas, but the tradition of Sinterklaas remains the most heartfelt by children since ancient times.
This year we start on the weekend of November 16/17 when Sinterklaas will officially arrive in the Netherlands from Spain with his stoomboot (steamboat). For the occasion there will be a big parade (Intoch) here in Amsterdam too, which you can see live in the center or from home on live television. Every year nurseries and schools are decorated with a theme and organize all kinds of initiatives: for example, they will ask you to have your children bring a shoe to leave at school (where they will find a surprise later). But there is also a Sinterklaas-themed news program for children, special gift packages (the surprise), i kruidnoten to eat and much more.
There are so many things to tell about this incredible holiday that we will publish another article dedicated just to this in a few days, in time for you to arrive prepared. Stay tuned!