Live blog arrival Vianen: busy streets and dogs with mitres

Pakjesboot 12 has been welcomed in the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden,
After which Saint Nicholas continued shaking hands in the Voorstraat.

It was also busy in the old center of Vianen.
But there was still a place for every sweet child, with a bit of luck.

Santa has said goodbye to Vianen for now. The center slowly empties out again and everyone goes home. The arrival went without any problems.

Vianen was put on the map by the Sinterklaas arrival, according to the residents:

Sinterklaas has arrived in the center of Vianen. Here a stage is set up and people sing for Santa.

After a small detour, the saint arrived at the Passantenhaven in Vianen. Mayor Sjors Fröhlich receives Sinterklaas on the quay, after which they walk with the Piets to the center of the city.

A group of people in blackface are standing among the audience in Voorstraat. They are not part of the official arrival and came to Vianen on their own initiative.

During the national arrival you can see how the steamboat docks at the wrong place in the municipality of Vijfherenlanden. The Piets went ashore not in Vianen, but at Ameide. They now come to Vianen by bike.

The Sinterklaas news is watched with great interest while waiting.

Everyone waits quietly in Voorstraat.

Leonie on the left and Eline climbed the tree to watch the arrival. “We can see it clearly up here.” At the Passantenhaven – where the parcel boat will soon moor – there are now queues of people.

Many children cannot wait until Pakjesboot 12 docks at Vianen. The good saint will set foot on shore around 12 noon, or so it is expected.

In some places it is already becoming very busy, such as at the place where Sinterklaas arrives and at the main stage,” says a spokesperson for the organization. “But there can certainly be room for more people.”

A queue has also formed at the ferry that takes children from Nieuwegein to Vianen.

In the end, things always turn out well for Sinterklaas, says Mayor Sjors Fröhlich of Vijfheerenlanden, which Vianen falls under. “But this year it will be a big challenge,” he adds.

“There was and is no panic.” The mayor says this, of course, with a nod to Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s statement last night regarding the cabinet crisis.

Dozens of people are already standing around the final stage, where Sinterklaas will soon address the audience. Mealys (6) is already waiting for Santa Claus, dressed as a musician. She loves music and dancing. The municipality of Vijfheerenlanden is taking into account the arrival of 20,000 visitors.

Morris was dressed in a Sinterklaas outfit especially for today by his owners. They want to give people a happy day. “We get a lot of responses. Everyone wants to take a picture with him.”

Entrepreneurs in Vianen are anticipating the arrival of Sinterklaas to their town. They decorated their shop windows with parcels and welcome streamers. The gingerbread croissants are also in the oven. “Let’s hope that many visitors come in.”

The Voorstraat is ready to receive Santa Claus. The first children walk anxiously through the center and towards the harbor, where Santa arrives.

About 20,000 visitors are expected today for the Sinterklaas arrival in Vianen. The municipality advises people to come by bus. Here you can read how best to get there and where you have the best view of the packet boat.