Sinterklaas will return to the Netherlands in mid-November. Last year, all entries were canceled due to corona. This year it is allowed again, but the Sinterklaas committees are struggling with the organization.
Everything depends on which permit the municipality issues. Does the entry count as a so-called flow-through location and can Saint then travel his route in the traditional way on horseback? Or does the municipality see the entry as an event and are tickets and QR codes needed?
As usual, or change it?
“We would stick to the old ways in consultation with the police, fire brigade and municipality,” says Peter Boelhouwer, organizer of the Sinterklaas entry in Scheveningen and The Hague. The tour goes from the port of Scheveningen, a conduit location, via the shopping streets, also a conduit location, to the Plein near the House of Representatives.
“But two days ago we suddenly heard that the municipality first wants to see how the Rotterdam marathon is going this weekend. If too many people are left together along the route, we may suddenly have to change all plans. time is running out.”
Boelhouwer thinks that a traditional procession is possible. According to him, 90 percent of the Piets were vaccinated at the arrival, 8 percent would be tested. “The older people are often also vaccinated and our target group is children from 3 to 8 years old. It is also an outdoor event. All outdoor demonstrations and other events will also continue, so why not the entry?”
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