Sinterklaas
Pakjesavond, the main gift-giving night for children, with surprise gifts, playful poems and pepernoten.
Sinterklaas is a beloved Dutch tradition that takes place annually on December 5th, known as Pakjesavond (Present Evening). The celebration revolves around Sinterklaas, a figure based on Saint Nicholas, who is accompanied by his helpers, the Pieten. Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands by steamboat from Spain in mid-November, and his journey is broadcasted on national television, marking the start of the Sinterklaas season. Children eagerly await his arrival, singing traditional songs and placing their shoes by the fireplace or radiator with a carrot or sugar cube for Sinterklaas' horse, hoping to find a small gift or treat in return the next morning.
On Pakjesavond, families and friends gather to exchange gifts, which are often wrapped in colorful paper and accompanied by humorous, rhyming poems that poke fun at the recipient's habits or characteristics. These poems are a cherished part of the tradition, adding a playful and personal touch to the gift-giving. Throughout the day, people enjoy traditional Sinterklaas treats such as pepernoten (soft chewy spiced biscuits), kruidnoten (small crunchy spiced biscuits), and speculaas (spiced cookies). The evening is filled with laughter, warmth, and the joy of giving and receiving surprises, making Sinterklaas a magical time for both children and adults in the Netherlands.
The pack has 36 words spread across these domains.
Same words in both. Beginner gets more help: matching and completing. Advanced listens and spells it out unaided. Pick it in practice; it locks when you take the scored run.
Practise as often as you like, all year. The scored run happens once, while the competition is open, and cannot be retaken.