Sinterklaas arrived in Antwerp, bringing welcoming families and an unexpected verdict regarding children’s behavior, Nieuwsblad reported.
Sinterklaas Arrives by Steamboat at Steenplein
Sinterklaas and his roetpieten arrived by steamboat at the pontoon near the Steenplein in Antwerp shortly after two o’clock in the afternoon, according to Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie. Bart Peeters and Antwerp mayor Els van Doesburg welcomed the arrivals.
“I hope enantiomers we get a big hug from the Sint,” Noor told Nieuwsblad while waiting near the docks. Renée added that she hoped there were no naughty children this year despite occasionally fighting with her sister.
The procession traveled past the Ernest Van Dijckkaai and the Suikerrui toward the Grote Markt, drawing large crowds along the Jordaenskaai. Festivities had already begun at 13:00 with a performance by the KetnetBand on the Grote Markt.
No Naughty Children Found
Antwerp mayor Els van Doesburg and the gathered crowds awaited the traditional behavioral verdict from the balcony of the city hall at 14:50.
“Dit jaar zijn er géén stoute kinderen!” Sinterklaas said from the balcony of the city hall.
Regional Tours Across Flanders
The Antwerp festivities mark the beginning of a broader regional tour visiting multiple Flemish municipalities. Sinterklaas also scheduled appearances in Herentals and Puurs-Sint-Amands on Saturday, November 14, rtv.be reported.
Upcoming Sint Events
Geel features music and dance with the Knetter Kidsband, and Willebroek plans musical stops in Tisselt and Blaasveld ahead of a children’s disco. Families in Mechelen can participate in Sintstad from November 21 through November 29, featuring an interactive treasure hunt in the city hall, alongside a Sinterklaasmarkt in Duffel-Oost, rtv.be stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Sinterklaas arrive in Antwerp?
Sinterklaas arrived by steamboat at the pontoon near the Steenplein in Antwerp, where children and parents gathered to welcome him before a procession toward the Grote Markt, according to Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie.
How can viewers watch the televised arrival?
Ketnet broadcast the arrival live on Ketnet, VRT 1, and VRT MAX, with repeat broadcasts scheduled on Ketnet and an accessible version in Flemish Sign Language on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, communicatie.vrt.be reported.
What other Flemish cities will Sinterklaas visit?
Sinterklaas scheduled visits to Herentals, Puurs-Sint-Amands, Lier, Turnhout, Geel, Willebroek, Mechelen, and Duffel-Oost throughout November, according to RTV.
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