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Sinterklaas Drops Into Dutch Schools by Balloon, Boat, Quad and Fire Truck

Volunteer teams kept school visits on schedule despite weather-related delays.

Overview

  • Morning visits spanned multiple municipalities, with reports of a hot air balloon arrival in Schijndel and non‑traditional entries elsewhere.
  • In Bunschoten, Sinterklaas reached the Bavinckschool by inflatable boat and De Wegwijzer by quad, with fire truck arrivals reported in Meerkerk and Tienhoven.
  • Mist and local closures affected timing and routes, including a closed sluice near Schijndel and slower travel for emergency vehicles.
  • Stichting Sintcentrale Veendam dispatched four early‑start teams with four Sinterklazen and about 50 Pieten, scaling up for evening pakjesavond rounds.
  • Schoolyards filled with singing, photo moments and classroom visits, with Pieten handing out treats and small gifts such as boxes of modelling sand.