Sinterklaas Arrives on Bonaire

This morning, Sinterklaas (or as he is known in Papiamentu, Sanikolas), arrived on Bonaire, as legend tells, from Spain.  His ship was escorted by a flotilla of sunfish to Town Pier. The Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) performed gymnastic tricks and engaged the crowd, while a drum corp led the parade.  An enthusiastic group of both children and adults awaited the old man eagerly.  Lt. Governor Herbert Domacasse and his wife escorted the old gentleman to Wilhelmina Park.

Legend continues to tell us that Sinterklaas will now spend the next two weeks checking to see if the information he has on Bonaire children in his big book is correct.  On the night of December 5th, he will go to all homes to check who’s been naughty or nice and will leave gifts behind in your shoe, which might just be filled with fresh grass or carrots for the horse. Listen that night to what’s happening on your rooftop--you might just hear the horse and Sinterklaas’ helpers on the night of December 5th--but that’s if you’ve been nice. If you’ve been naughty, you might be put in Piet’s bag and taken back to Spain where you will be trained to be nice and/or become a Piet.

Images of Sinterklaas’ arrival are available on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter)

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