Hallo Sint! Hallo Piet!

It's that time of year again!

The time when everyone, especially the little ones, go out to the local canal and wait patiently for someone to come sailing past.  Yes, it's the time for Sinterklaas to come to town!

Of course, Sinterklaas is always accompanied by his cadre of friends - the Zwart Piets.

The Zwart Piets arrived in all sorts of boats, including repurposed cars.  They all hailed the Spanish flag because that is where Zwart Piet lives.

Apparently,  if you are bad, Zwart Piet will hunt you down, put you in a sack of potatoes, and bring you to Spain!

Honestly, it's not that bad of a punishment, really.

Finally, Sinterklaas himself arrives on the last boat in the flotilla!

Once docked, Sinterklaas and his friends go on a parade through the streets of the city.

The Piets hand out goodies to the kids, small circular cookies called pepernoten.  It's something that would never happen in the US - letting your kids accept unwrapped cookies from a stranger.

Waiting patiently for the Pepernoten

Most Dutch buy pepernoten in the stores, but you can also make them at home.

More Piets arrive by unicycle.

A common form of transportation in Spain.

Then the paddywagon arrives, toting gifts for children with typical Dutch names.

Sorry, I didn't see any for Bram or Sjaak.

This Piet arrived with his sheep.

Also black, oddly enough.

 Finally, I can see Sinterklaas above the heads in the crowd!

Go Sint!  Go Sint!

Sinterklaas heads to the university.  Nearby, sniper Piets keep a lookout for danger.

Just kidding!  Not snipers, they actually repel down the university building.

Piets hand out pepernoten and other treats to the wall of children that has formed.  Sadly, they won't give any to adults.  *sniff*

But we did catch one long enough for a photo-op!  Thanks Piet!