Sunday, November 26, 2017

Sinterklaas in Bonaire

What a grand way to experience Santa in a different culture. This morning Sinterklaas arrived in Bonaire. The traditional story is that he arrives by boat from Spain (slightly more plausible if you are in Europe ) with his companions Zwarte Piet (Black Pete), disembarks and gets on his white horse and rides through the town. Bonaire has put its own twists on the story.



Shortly before 9 this morning two tugboats appeared in the bay, water cannons firing.



When they arrived at the main pier they both made three turns in place, drums playing and the Zwarte Piet dancing.


They were very obviously enjoying themselves.


The roads were filled with children awaiting the arrival.  Many were dressed up as either Sinterklaas 


Or versions of Zwarte Piet. Apparently there have been many a discussion about the racial overtones of the blackface of the Zwarte Piet with some now changing the story to say the black is from the chimney soot as they are the ones who go down the chimney to deliver the toys.


Loved this display of affection! 

We found a great spot to observe the arrival, carefully avoiding blocking any children. (Photo credit to Ziggy MacKenzie )


Until this guy came and stood right in front of me and ignored my requests for him to move slightly to one side. (More on him later!)


Sinterklaas has disembarked.


And made his way through security. ..It seemed pretty easy for someone coming all the way from Spain! 


Luckily there were special Security forces on duty. With official dinosaur  underwear.


The Bonarian version of the white horse for Sinterklaas is the black train.

Complete with the Bonaire flag.

Sinterklaas boarded the train, along with many children and made their way through town, with a slight hitch. Remember the guy who stood in front of me? He also stood in front of the train, stopping it so he could take pictures.  Finally one of the Zwarte Piet guided him to the side of the street so that Sinterklaas and his train could proceed.


The parade continued through town...




Kids of all ages



Even those who are trying to be cool.


As I took this photo I was frustrated with the fact that the balloons got in the way. It wasn't until I was reviewing the photos later that I saw my friend Ziggy was there on the left. I hadn't realized that she was near me at that point of the parade. Photobombing! 


At the end of the parade Sinterklaas left the train, accompanied by a Zwarte Piet, and went down a path to the children's carnival area, at which point we decided to depart.


Decorations seen around town.



Welcome Sinterklaas! 


The Christmas season has begun in Bonaire with more festivities to follow.


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