Dutch Australian Society ‘Abel Tasman’ Inc
Arrival of St Nicholas in Hobart
ST NICHOLAS is the patron saint of children and sailors.
In the Netherlands St Nicholas arrives, by ship, in November. In the weeks prior to the holiday on 6th December, he travels through the country. Cities and towns have Sinterklaas parades.
He is accompanied by Zwarte Pieten (Black Peters). These helpers were originally chimney-sweeps who came down the chimney of each home to bring presents and sweets to the children.
On 26th November 2006 the Dutch Australian Society arranged a special St Nicholas arrival in Hobart on the replica wooden vessel, the Duyfken.
Dressed in traditional robes St Nicholas was greeted by children of Dutch settlers.
After arrival on the Duyfken, St Nicholas distributed sweets to children at the Abel Tasman monument at Hobart’s Salamanca precinct.
We invite you
to join us.
If you would like to help us increase awareness within the Tasmanian community of their historical and cultural heritage, we invite you to become a supporter or member. (See About Us page for details.
For more information, please contact us.
Did you migrate from the Netherlands to Tasmania?
Please help us build up a historical record of Dutch migrants by completing a simple QUESTIONNAIRE. The information is to be stored in the Dutch Migrant Record section of the new Channel Heritage Museum.