Thursday - Christmas markets and Sinterklaas

The Netherlands are not famed for their Christmas markets, however this is true especially "north of the big rivers", where the protestant ethics is stronger and people looks down at people trying to have too much fun, while they should be working or at least stay indoor and be sorry.

South of the rivers, where those carefree, sinning, easy going, Carnival loving catholics live, it's a whole different story.

That's why a very fine Christmas market can be found in Maastricht. (Although if you rather go for the real thing, just go over the border to Aachen).

This could also be because the main Dutch seasonal celebration is Sinterklaas and not so much Christmas. Families will be gathering tonight to celebrate the arrival of Saint Nicholas and exchange gifts, sweets and poems.

So...enjoy the mulled wine and have a wonderful Pakjesavond!

http://www.vvv-maastricht.eu/winter/ice_skating.html