Hi, we will be in Bonaire at the end of November, first week of December. We just love the place and would like to find out what events are going on during that time.

Thanks,
Kent

The biggest local event during that time would be Sinterklaas on Dec 5th.

And of course, the King of the Caribbean Pro-Am Windsurfing competition Dec 2-9th.

Linda, Don't forget the BT dinners at Gibi's once a week...

Linda,

What exactly is Sinterklaas? I know it basically means "Santa Claus", but what exactly goes on? Is there exchanging of presents? Is this when SinterKlaas arrives? Also, what are Yana and Bas into these days? Ed and I would like to bring a little something. Thanks. Oh yeah, tell Yana we will be bringing "fresh milk" for Thanksgiving LOL! Hugs!

Liz

Well, I'm still new to Sinterklaas so we really should have Martin handle this request.
In a nutshell, Sinterklaas is Saint Nicholas from Turkey? He went around giving away everything he had until he runs into Zwarte Pete, a Moor from Spain. Pete takes care of Sinterklaas and keeps him from giving away his last mouthful of food.

So about two weekends before Dec 5th, Sinterklaas and Zwarte Pete arrive on Bonaire via ship. Sinterklaas looks like a skinny bishop with a golden staff. Sinterklaas has a big book with a list of all the bad children. Sinterklaas reads the list and tells the children they must behave better. The very bad children are put in Zwarte Pete's sack and taken back to Spain. Generally, we have 4-6 Zwarte Pete's accompanying Sinterklaas.

The children put out their shoes (wooden shoes) at night and the next morning they have candy and such in them. Traditional are chocolate letters and little hard spice cookies. (I can't remember what those are called.) They usually have a party at school with presents from Sinterklaas.

Linda, you explained very well. For more information you can go to this site: http://www.minbuza.nl/default.asp?CMS_ITEM=8064488910DC4B39A171AACE476D9F6FX3X40365X27

Linda, you are talking about pepernoten. We might just take a few from Holland. I can't promise they will survive the trip... (You know my apetite... )

Thanks Linda for announcing our island event. AND EVERYONE MUST GO TO RINCON the 6th and Taste of Bonaire in town at Willhemina Park Dec. 2.

Annie

www.bonaireworldfreestyle.com

Thanks for all the info on upcoming events. There also is supposed to be a run and some sort of swim at the end of the month. I cannot find out who is putting it on etc.... anybody have an ideas?

Thanks

Kent

There was a big swim last weekend... Not sure if that's what you were thinking of...

Jake

When I look at the calendar of events for Bonaire, they mention a 1/4 marathon which is TBA.
Anyone have any updated info on this or other swims, runs etc and the end of the month?
thanks

Kent