Sinterklaas and his helpers will dock in Antwerp on 15 November
Sinterklaas is set to arrive in Antwerp on Saturday, 15 November, with a festive programme organised by the city and VRT’s children’s channel, Ketnet. The steamboat from Spain will dock at the pontoon on Steenplein at around 2 PM, where he will be welcomed by Antwerp Mayor Els Van Doesburg and presenter Bart Peeters. From there, Sinterklaas will walk to the Grote Markt, passing Het Steen, Ernest Van Dijckkaai and Suikerrui, arriving at City Hall around 2:45 PM to address the children from the balcony.
Those unable to attend in person can watch the celebrations live on VRT 1, Ketnet or VRT MAX from 1:30 PM to 3:10 PM. Ketnet presenters Lee and Thomas will host the broadcast, while De KetnetBand and other performers will entertain crowds gathered in the Grote Markt.
In the week leading up to the arrival, Radio 2’s Margaux van de regio and Ketnet presenters will collect children’s drawings in locations including Sint-Kwintens-Lennik, Sint-Gillis-Waas, Bruges and Sint-Truiden. These will be presented to Sinterklaas when he arrives in Antwerp.
Following his arrival, Sinterklaas will visit schools, hospitals and shopping centres until 5 December. According to tradition, he rides his white-grey horse over rooftops at night to deliver gifts through chimneys to well-behaved children, while naughty children risk encounters with Black Pete, who carries a jute bag and willow cane.
Sinterklaas is traditionally said to come from Spain. Some link this to the transport of Saint Nicholas’ relics to Bari in 1087, which later became part of the Spanish Kingdom of Naples, while others point to the association with mandarin oranges, a customary gift.
The city of Antwerp advises visitors to travel on foot, by bicycle or via public transport whenever possible to enjoy the festivities safely.
#FlandersNewsService | Sinterklaas arrives in Antwerp © BELGA PHOTO KRISTOF VAN ACCOM
Related news
