courtesy of: Aruba-Daily News
Sinterklaas, the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus, arrived on Aruba on Sunday and was welcomed by hundreds of children. True to the island’s Dutch roots, Arubans celebrate the tradition of this saint and his gift-giving ways with great enthusiasm. Minister of Social Affairs, Michelle Hooyboer-Winklaar welcomed them on behalf of the Government to Aruba and wished them a wonderful stay.
Sinterklaas and his helpers arrived by ship. Their trip from Spain was tiring, but they were in good spirits and enjoyed greeting all the children who came to the harbor to greet them. Sinterklaas visits all the children in the countries of the Dutch Kingdom, Belgium and Surinam as well as children worldwide who are taught the story of this legendary philanthropist.
The story goes that children that have not been good receive a bundle of twigs called a roe and kids who have been really bad are taken to Spain in Zwarte Piet's bag. The Minister proudly reported that all kids on Aruba have been good during the past year and thus very deserving of his presents.
On the days leading up to his feast day, December 5, Sinterklaas - with his long white beard, bishop’s robes, and golden staff - makes appearances at schools and stores all across the Island; his ever-amusing Zwarte Pieten are always in tow, carrying sacks filled with treats for children. Most anticipated of all are the evenings leading up to and including the night of December 5, when Sinterklaas leaves chocolate letters and coins, gingerbread cookies, and small toys in the shoes of good Aruban boys and girls.
