In many parts of Europe children look forward to day that celebrates the feast of St Nicholas rather than Christmas, for it is on this day that they receive gifts and have a chance to make fun of each other in a practice that commemorates St Nicholas who is largely regarded as the Saint of Children. This festival is a major event which is celebrated with much fanfare in the Netherlands and Belgium. In the Netherlands the event is celebrated on St Nicholas’ eve which falls on the 5th of December while in Belgium it is celebrated on the morning of the 6th of December. The feast of St Nicholas is also celebrated in some parts of France as well as in Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and in the town of Trieste in Italy. Traditions that mark this event differ from country to country though it is the most prominent in the Netherlands where St Nicholas is commonly known as ‘Sinterklaas’.
The Legend of St Nicholas
St Nicholas was born into a wealthy family in the third century in the village of Patara located in a region which is now in modern day Turkey. He was brought up as a devout Christian and after his parents passed away due to an epidemic he began to distribute his wealth amongst the poor and the unfortunate. He then became the Archbishop of Myra and continued to perform his good deeds. The stories of his benevolence and kindness spread far and wide so much so that if people found themselves in need they often called out to him and their problems were then miraculously solved. He soon began to be regarded as the patron saint of sailors, merchants and children. Even after his death his fame continued to spread and in fact in the 11th century his tomb was dug up and his body was taken from its final resting place in the Martyium church by pirates who transported his mortal remains to Bari in Southern Italy. For this reason he is sometimes known as St Nicholas of Bari. Though St Nicholas was never canonized he came to be regarded as a Saint by his many followers who had implicit faith in him. Today the legend of St Nicholas is commonly associated with that of the origin of Santa Clause.
The Netherlands
Most Dutch children are well acquainted with Sinterklaas who they believe lives in Spain where he records the behavior of all children throughout the year until the 5th of December. Sinterklaas is helped by his helper Black Peter and his horse Piet as he stocks up on presents for good children. He then arrives in a port city in the Netherlands in mid November each year. He is greeted here by the mayor after which he takes part in a magnificent parade which is broadcast live on television all over the country. This marks the start of the Dutch Sinterklaas season and until 5th of December, Sinterklaas is seeen out and about in the Netherlands. The evening of the 5th of December is known as called sinterklaasavond or “pakjesavond” (”presents’ evening”) in the Netherlands. Presents are cleverly wrapped for the occasion and are often hidden in secret places from where the recipients have to seek them out. These presents are also traditionally accompanied by a poem which is thought to be from St Nicholas. Sinterklaas season is a wonderful time to visit the Netherlands especially its capital city of Amsterdam which is very festive during this time. If you wish to visit Amsterdam for this year’s Sinterklaas season you can avail of the attractive rates being offered by the well connected HEM hotel if you need to find accommodation in this canal city .
Prague
In the Czech capital of Prague, jolly St Nicholas wanders on the streets around Charles Bridge along with his two helpers an angel and a devil. This trio has a religious connotation associated with them wherein St Nicholas represents confession while the Devil represents punishment and the Angel represents reward. The Devil hands out punishments while the Angel hands out presents to those who have been good. If you choose to visit Prague during the feast of St Nicholas you may want to check out the rates at the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa in Prague which is situated in close proximity to Charles Bridge. The hotel is currently offering attractive rates for the entire festive season.
Trieste
In the north eastern Italian town of Trieste, a fair celebrating St Nicholas(Fiera di San Nicolò) has been held every year along the Viale XX Settembre since 1923. This year this fair will be held from the 1st to the 8th of December and will feature a market consisting of stalls that sell essentially items that children enjoy like toys, lights and candy. This fair is especially aimed at children who can revel its many delights . Do book your stay in Trieste at the Continentale Hotel Trieste which is offering great deals for the duration of the fair.
York
Similar celebrations in honor of St Nicholas are held in the medieval city of York in England where the annual St Nicholas Fayre is held on Parliament Street. This celebration is to be held from the 27th to the 30th of November this year and it will feature a costumed medieval market, carol singers, festive foods and entertainment in an effort to awaken the people’s festive spirit especially in these difficult economic times. Do try the Old Vicarage Hotel Selby if you are looking to visit York for the St Nicholas Fayre.
Nancy
In the town of Nancy located in the Lorraine region of France there are elaborate celebrations for the feast of St Nicholas as well. The Saint arrives on the Place Stanislas in a ornate carriage which is preceded by a parade of floats and marching bands from neighboring villages. He is then presented with the keys of the city by the mayor. To fully enjoy this experience why don’t you book a room at Lorraine Residency Hotel located in the heart of the city which has attractive rates for the event.
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This entry was posted on Saturday, November 29th, 2008 at 12:01 am and is filed under Europe, Fun. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
November 30th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
That would be an awesome experience! To be able to see all those places and how they receive and celebrate St. Nicholas would be a great experience. I love the pictures, they help tell the story very well. Great post!
February 21st, 2009 at 12:17 am
Wow, thanks for the European history and tradition. I enjoy traveling to many European countries and now will be sure to attend these festivals. I’m printing out this St. Nicholas post and will share with my children. I didn’t know St. Nicholas was actually a real person. If all countries adopted this tradition, the world would be better off.
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Thanks Kevin, I am glad you enjoyed the post. Do keep reading on for interesting information on global festivals and events.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:08 am
My wife and I went to Italy a few years ago and really learned a lot about the culture and traditions. It really humbles you when you think about “traditions” in the US and then go to a country like that and witness tradition that goes back 5 or 6 hundred years and how most are not our own traditions. Nice post. Thanks.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
A very interesting write-up about the Feast of St Nicholas. Although I am not too well traveled, you certainly have given me a very good preview of how this event is celebrated in different parts of Europe. Now I wonder is St Nicholas the Santa Claus, or the other way round?