The tension was palpable in Vianen when Sinterklaas finally set foot on shore on Saturday afternoon.
The good saint arrived by traditional steamboat from Spain and was awaited by an ecstatic crowd of an estimated 30.000 visitors. Before the arrival, things seemed to go wrong when the boat accidentally docked in the nearby village of Ameide. There, a large part of the Pieten disembarked to continue their journey by bike, which provided an unexpected and healthy twist during the arrival.
Sinterklaas and his Hoofdpiet stayed on board the steamboat and reached the harbour of Vianen at exactly 12.45. The moment that Sint stepped ashore was greeted with cheers and applause. Children waved flags enthusiastically, while parents with telephones at the ready recorded the special scene. The tension beforehand and the unusual arrival via Ameide ensured a unique edition of the arrival.
Pieten on bicycles steal the show
The Pieten's choice to continue their journey by bike after docking in Ameide led to many raised eyebrows and admiration. A long procession of cheerful, colorfully dressed Pieten cycled through the streets towards Vianen, an image that brought a smile to the faces of many. "That's how it should be," said one spectator. "Healthy and sustainable, that should happen more often."
Many of the Pieten got off in the nearby village of Ameide, where the steamboat accidentally docked, and continued their journey by bicycle.
“Moments like this make the Sinterklaas period magical,” said one visitor as she handed her children a gingerbread nut. “It’s a tradition we cherish.”
The organization of the procession looked back on the day with relief, despite the unexpected delay in Ameide. A spokesperson said that there had been contact with local authorities in advance to plan all the details of the procession. "But even with extensive preparation, you can't foresee everything," he said. "The most important thing is that Sinterklaas arrived safely and that everyone enjoyed the party."
shake hands
The arrival of Sinterklaas in Vianen on Saturday afternoon not only had surprises, but also a striking festive atmosphere that was reminiscent of King's Day. Stages were set up along the route where children danced happily to Sinterklaas songs. The good saint on horseback and Pieten in the crowd shook hands. The interplay of music, dance and the cheerful bustle gave the event an extra dimension, making the traditional children's party temporarily resemble a national holiday.
The children in Vianen, who had sometimes been waiting for hours in the cold, were at least overjoyed with the arrival of Sinterklaas. After his arrival, Sinterklaas took his time to greet the crowd and shake hands. The Head Piet also received a lot of attention and listened patiently to the wishes of dozens of children.
After arriving, the procession moved through the streets of Vianen, where music and treats were handed out everywhere along the route. The event marks the start of the festive period in which Sinterklaas and his helpers will be seen in shopping centres, schools and other events throughout the Netherlands. The atmosphere in Vianen was festive and exuberant, despite the brief moment of confusion in Ameide.
