In Antwerp, thousands of children attended the annual festive arrival of Sinterklaas together with their parents and grandparents on Saturday. Saint Nicholas arrived perfectly on schedule with his steamboat on the Scheldt. A little later he announced from the balcony of the town hall, to the great relief of everyone, that there were no naughty children this year either.
Many children had been waiting for Santa since noon on the Scheldt quays or along the route that Santa would follow after his arrival to the Grote Markt. They were warmed up by performances by De KetnetBand and friends of Santa Claus such as Ramon and Kneta Knieplaat.
At just before 2 p.m. the steamboat piloted by Captain Droogdockx finally came into view. As is tradition, Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever was the first to greet Saint Nicholas together with master of ceremonies Bart Peeters. De Wever was even told that he is a “man of reconciliation”. “That is not often said,” the formateur gratefully accepted the compliment.
Santa, his helpers and the rest of his entourage walked at walking pace from the quays to the Grote Markt, making time for the many children along the way. Sinterklaas then opened his big book on the balcony of the town hall and, after some misunderstandings, came to the conclusion that there were no naughty children this year either. So everyone deserves a present or something tasty.
Santa Claus will travel throughout the country in the coming weeks, but for the first time he will be staying in Het Steen, close to his mooring place, for three weeks. Young and old are welcome to explore the rooms of Sint and Pieten and play games.
© BELGIUM
© BELGIUM
© BELGIUM
© BELGIUM
© BELGIUM
© BELGIUM
© BELGIUM
© BELGIUM
