On the 5th of December the Dutch celebrate the birthday of Sint Nicolas who was the Greek bishop of Myra in the 4th century (known as Sinterklaas in Dutch). Saint Nicholas arrived in the Netherlands last weekend with a national parade, this year in Hellevoetsluis.

Children put their shoes at the chimney and sing songs for Sint Nicolas and hope to receive a small present in return. The celebration focuses on receiving presents and consuming the typical treats such as chocolate letters, marzipan, peppernuts (pepernoten), gingerbread men (speculaaspoppen), etc. His birthday is truly the highlight for all children as Sinterklaas gives them presents!