The Saint Nicholas tradition is a big celebration in Belgium. It happens on December 6th. Saint Nicholas is a kind man who brings gifts to children.
Saint Nicholas
08-12-2023
The festivities begin before the actual day of Saint Nicholas, usually around mid-November, when Saint Nicholas arrives from Spain via steamboat accompanied by his faithful companion, Black Pete. This arrival is celebrated in various cities, with many children waiting impatiently for his arrival.
Children prepare for Saint Nicholas's arrival by placing their shoes by the fireplace or front door. They also leave a carrot or sugar cube for Saint Nicholas's horse, Amerigo. During the night, Saint Nicholas visits and fills the shoes with small gifts, chocolate letters, ginger nuts, or other sweets.
On the day of Saint Nicholas, families come together. They exchange gifts and eat delicious traditional treats such as speculaas (spiced cookies), marzipan, chocolate, and ginger nuts. In some parts of Belgium, "surprises" are exchanged, where gifts accompanied by humorous poems are given to each other.