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Photo by Linda Robertson. |
Sinterklaas and helper Black Pete are farewelled by the Dutch
community after a celebration in Dunedin last night. About 25
children of recent Dutch immigrants were given presents by
Sinterklaas at the Northeast Valley Baptist Church Hall.
Roman Meijerink (3) showed Sinterklaas he had been a
delightful boy by including some Dutch dialect, including
lekker (yummy) and ''Welterustn'' (''Sleep well'').
Organiser Mark Lokman said he invited Sinterklaas to the
South because he was last seen in Dunedin at the Otago
Settlers Museum five years ago.
Dutch families traditionally celebrated St Nicholas' Eve
today, by exchanging presents and poems written about family
members.
The gift exchange is followed by singing and eating gingery
sweets.
Dunedin resident Regis Lamberts, who said he emigrated from
the Netherlands about two years ago, enjoyed the Sinterklaas
celebration.
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