intocht

The ceremonial arrival of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) in the Netherlands, which opens the Sinterklaas season. According to the tradition, the saint arrives by boat from Spain and is welcomed with a parade in a town, usually in November, with children and crowds attending. It marks the start of the period leading up to 5 December, when Sinterklaas is celebrated with gifts and surprises.

Latest, 15 November 2026: Gijs Naber takes over from Stefan de Walle as Sinterklaas. 2.1 million people watched the saint's arrival on television, fewer than last year. Read the story