Sint-Niklaas (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Sint-Niklaas celebrates Sinterklaas for 4 weeks; Alderman Ghizlane Benabdellah and Acha vzw host events, including the 30th “Sint in de Piste” circus show with accessibility features.
As VRT News reported, Sint-Niklaas city centre will celebrate Sinterklaas for the next 4 weeks. Streets and squares are decorated for the holiday season.
“A very large shoe will be placed in the station, which will be updated every year by adding things like a carrot or chocolate figures,”
says Alderman Ghizlane Benabdellah (Vooruit).
What’s new for Sint-Niklaas’ 30th “Sint in de Piste” with Benabdellah?
Children can take part in a contest by scanning a QR code on Sinterklaas’s shoe to win movie tickets.
“It’s a wonderful day with singing, spectacle, and a few carnival stalls,”
says Benabdellah.
The arrival of Sinterklaas and his helpers, called Sinterklaas Day, is a highlight of the celebrations. Sinterklaas receives the key to the Sinterklaas House, where he welcomes children. More than 20,000 visitors come to see him each year. The House of Saint Nicholas, now at the Salons on Stationsstraat, may move to the Castrohof. The city council will decide on the relocation in December 2025
Acha vzw is hosting the 30th edition of the popular circus show “Sint in de Piste” this year.
“We’re also going to build a sand track to give our horses and camels a good place to rest,”
says organiser Dirk Belon of Acha vzw. He promises
“lots of spectacle and fun, child-friendly activities.”
A large circus tent and an artists’ village will be set up on the Grote Markt for the event. For the first time, a Flemish Sign Language interpreter will be available during both St. Nicholas’ Day and “Sint in de Piste” performances. Organisers said this will allow children and families who are deaf or hard of hearing to enjoy the show.
“St. Nicholas and his celebrations should be accessible to everyone, including children with hearing impairments,”
says Benabdellah.
“That way, they can enjoy it too.”
The popular circus show “Sint in de Piste” has been held in Sint-Niklaas since 1996, organised every year by Acha vzw. The event usually takes place on the Grote Markt, but in 2024 it moved to the Syntra grounds because of roadworks. Thousands of children and families attend each year to see circus performances and festive activities.
