During the festival of Sinterklaas, communities in the Netherlands celebrate the arrival of this legendary figure each year on December 5th. Sinterklaas, depicted as a bearded man in a red cloak, arrives from Spain by steamboat, marking the beginning of a festive season. The event includes street parades, where children sing songs and eagerly await gifts delivered by Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as Zwarte Piet. This festival blends tradition and celebration, reinforcing community bonds through shared cultural practices.