Page 24 - MIN TTC 16 NOV 2015

LOCAL A13
Monday 16 November 2015

Sinterklaas Arrives On Aruba Just In Time For The Holidays!

ORANJESTAD — Sinterk- asm. Every year at this time schools, stores and house-
laas, the Dutch equivalent in mid-November, Arubans holds all across the island.
of Santa Claus, arrived on welcome Sinterklaas, his The Zwarte Piets are always
Aruba yesterday, and was white horse, and his hand- there to assist Sinterklaas,
welcomed by hundreds of ful of dutiful helpers, called carrying sacks filled with
children, their parents and Zwarte Piets, as they sail treats for children.
several island dignitaries, into Aruba’s harbor from Most anticipated of all are
who declared to Sinterk- Spain. the evenings leading up
laas that “the children of On the days leading up to and including the night
Aruba are good children!” to the famous feast day, of December 5, when Sin-
True to the island’s Dutch December 5, Sinterklaas, terklaas leaves chocolate
roots, the people of Aruba adorned with his long letters and coins, ginger-
celebrate the tradition of white beard, bishop’s bread cookies, and small
this saint and his gift-giving robes, and golden staff, toys in the shoes of good
ways with great enthusi- makes appearances at Aruban boys and girls.q