St.Nicholas’ Eve

St. Nicholas’ Eve, known as Sinterklaasavond, is a beloved Dutch holiday celebrated on December 5 in the Netherlands. It is the eve of St. Nicholas’ Day, when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) is believed to arrive in the country from Spain, accompanied by his helpers called Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes). Families and friends gather to exchange gifts, sing traditional songs, and enjoy festive treats, especially pepernoten (spiced cookies) and chocolate letters. However, it’s worth noting that in recent years, the celebration has sparked debates and discussions due to concerns about the portrayal of Zwarte Piet, and efforts have been made to address these issues and adapt the character to be more culturally sensitive.

Origin: Iran