Week 49 Sinterklaas pop quiz!

Sinterklaas pop-quiz!

On December 5th, gifts are exchanged on the typical ‘Sinterklaas eve’ (in Dutch: pakjes avond) which is part of the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas. However, what do internationals know about Sinterklaas? And do they celebrate it also? EM gave them a pop quiz to find out!

Boram Kim, third year IBCoM (from South-Korea)

Any idea who Sinterklaas is?

“Yes, he is a culturally different Santa Claus, right?”

How does Sinterklaas arrive in The Netherlands?

“I have no clue. The only thing I do know is that the transportation of his gifts is done by his ‘zwarte pieten’ helpers.”

What are some typical Sinterklaas traditions?

“People exchange presents.”

Which typical Sinterklaas foods do you know?

“This is a hard one…I do not know any! I have never eaten any Sinterklaas food.”

Why is ‘Sinterklaas eve’ celebrated on December 5th?

“This is also a hard question! Maybe it is because he comes from Spain and has to travel back?”

Any plans to celebrate Sinterklaas?

“I do not have any plans but I will probably be working on some of the many assignments that are due soon.”

David Hauptmann (34), full-time MBA student (from Germany)

Any idea who Sinterklaas is?

“The Dutch version of Santa Claus or ‘Nikolaus.’”

How does Sinterklaas arrive in The Netherlands?

“With a boat from Spain, a steam boat I believe.”

What are some typical Sinterklaas traditions?

“Sinterklaas gives candy and gifts to children if they were good and of course strokes if they were bad.”

Which typical Sinterklaas foods do you know?

“I know speculaas and kruidnoten”

Why is ‘Sinterklaas eve’ celebrated on December 5th?

“Because he returns to Spain on Dec 6th?”

Any plans to celebrate Sinterklaas?

“Yes I a do actually, I am planning a nice dinner with classmates.”