Sinterklaas
From Muppet Wiki
Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, is the Dutch counterpart to Santa Claus (and in fact, predates the Westernized Santa). Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands in November, generally by steamer from Spain, and celebrates his birthday on December 5th by giving presents to all children. Sinterklaas' traditional attire, while still emphasizing the beard and red colors, more closely resembles a clergyman, tying into his "Saint" title and roots in the Catholic tradition.
Sinterklaas has figured prominently in many Sesamstraat productions, often accompanied by his helper Zwarte Piet (Black Pete, who in current Sinterklaas lore is one of many, akin to Santa's elves). On the album Sesamstraat: Bert en Ernie: Hoor Wie Klopt Daar Kinderen, Bert and Ernie, along with a nervous Grover, anxiously await his arrival. He was also heard with the native Sesamstraat characters in the album Sesamstraat: Sint Is Zoek (played by composer Ad Wammes).
Beginning in 1987, Sinterklaas has also made annual visits to the television world of Sesamstraat every December 5. In accordance with an agreement by the various Dutch television networks, the current official Sinterklaas on Sesamstraat (and every other television broadcast) is actor Bram van der Vlugt. Sinterklaas is accompanied in most of these appearances by helpers Wegwijspiet (played by Michiel Kerbosch), Hoofdpiet (Erik van Muiswinkel), and his horse Amerigo.
Two of the Sesamstraat specials have been released on the DVD Sinterklaas Bezoekt Sesamstraat.
