Jamie & Kim's European Adventure: Carnival Season is here!

Yesterday was the opening of the winter carnival season and there was a kick-off celebration in town at Vrijthof square. The crowds (most dressed in costumes) poured in just in time for the countdown to 11:11 (on 11/11/11) and surprisingly the security was very tight compared to all the other European festivities we have attended. We enjoyed some of the performances in the square, an oliebollen (deep fried doughnuts - a Dutch winter specialty) and a cappuccino at a nearby cafe while listening to the music.
Today Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) arrived in Maastricht.
The story or legend of Sinterklaas is . . . In mid-November, two weeks before his celebrated Feast Day (December 5th), Sinterklaas arrives in Netherlands by boat from his home in Spain. Accompanies by his white horse and his helpers, Zwarte Pieten, he arrives in the Netherlands to signify the start of the holiday season. Many people from across the country welcome Sinterklaas at the harbour and watch him parade through the city's streets. during the two weeks before his "birthday", it is said that Sinterklaas rides across rooftops at night on his white horse, listening through chimneys for good children. Nice children that leave carrots in shoes for Sinterklaas' horse, wake up to shoes full of candy and treats. However, it is the eve before his Feast Day (Sinterklaasavond) that is the most highly anticipated by children, and the busiest day for Sinterklaas. This is the day when Sinterklaas delivers presents to good children and coal to children who have been naughty.
Today was also the day that the holiday lights were lit around the city center. I think we are really going to enjoy the Holiday season in Europe . . excited for the Christmas Markets and events coming up in December!
http://www.vvv-maastricht.eu/winter/enlightened_city.html