The Dutch community in Bulgaria welcomed Saturday Sinterklaas who arrived in the embassy of the Netherlands in Sofia on a white horse, to give presents to the children who were good during the year.

Every year the embassy celebrates colorfully the holiday of Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicolas who is patron saint of, among others, children.

The holiday is celebrated widely in the Netherlands, as well as Belgium.

Sinterklaas is the basis for the North American Santa Claus popular all over the world.

All children know that Sinterklaas lives in Spain but nobody knows why the kind old man spends most of his time there, writing down how children behave while his assistant Zwarte Piet (Black Piet) collects presents.

In the eve of December 5 Sinterklaas rides his white horse called Amerigo over the rooftops together with his helper who carries the bag of gifts.

Before children go to bed they leave their shoes near the fireplace together with some straw or a carrot for the horse, which Zwarte Piet replaces with gifts and chocolates.

The next day Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet are even more busy visiting, schools, hospitals, offices and shops, leaving gifts and bringing joy.

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