Sinterklaas is a traditional children's gift-giving feast in the Netherlands. He is celebrated annually on Saint Nicholas' eve, 5 December. The feast celebrates the name day of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of Amsterdam, children and sailors. He is the basis of the mythical holiday figure of Santa Claus in the United States. Sinterklaas rides his (iron)horse assisted by his Moorish helpers called 'Zwarte Pieten'.
