Thursday, November 22, 2007

Sanikolas Set to Arrive on Bonaire this Saturday

Each year, Sanikolas, also called St. Nicholas (English) or Sinterklaas (Dutch), sails into Bonaire and arrives at the Town Pier, along with his Zwartepietnan (Black Piets), to visit with the children of the island over the coming weeks.  This year, his planned arrival is at 10:30 AM, where he will then proceed to Wilhelmina Park. 

There are activities and music before his arrival, to keep everyone happy and in a holiday mood.  The Zwartepietnan do acrobatics and engage the audience, and the entire event is quite a show.

After, Sanikolas and his Zwartepietnan will make appearances all over Bonaire up until December 5th.  Legend says on that night, 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.

Images from the 2006 Sanikolas arrival are available on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by, clicking here.  (Source:  FASIZ)