'Intocht van Sinterklaas' (Arrival of Sinterklaas)

As what seems to now be typical on a normal, quiet Sunday afternoon there was a parade outside our house.

This parade was due to Sinterklaas arriving in Bruges. The arrival of Sinteklass into town is a huge event and is often broadcast on television.

It is said that Sinterklaas travels from Spain (because he brings mandarin oranges) by boat. Once he arrives he parades on his gray horse, and his Zwarte Piet assistants throw sweets into the crowd.

Sinterklaas delivers gifts to children on 6th December, with the help of Zwarte Piet (Black Pete), a servant of Sinterklaas. Belgian children put a shoe in front of the fireplace with a treat for Sinterklaas and his horse. The 6th December is very much celebrated like we celebrate Christmas Day with presents from Father Christmas. This day is mainly for children, and Christmas Day is is for family and presents for everyone.