On Sunday afternoon, together with a large crowd of adults and children, Prime Minister mr. Mike Eman and Minister of Housing drs. Rene “Baba” Herdé warmly welcomed Sinterklaas and his Pieten. The excitement among the children was enormous as they watched Sinterklaas arrive, though some were a little scared that Pieten might take them to Spain.
Upon his arrival, Sinterklaas greeted the large audience and shared a meaningful message with those present. Considering the importance of caring for nature and the national reforestation plan which aims to encourage the community to plant one hundred thousand trees over the next four years — Sinterklaas brought a special tree from Spain for the Prime Minister. He promised the Prime Minister that they would plant it together before he returns to Spain. In this way, the good saint also contributes to the vision of making Aruba more beautiful and filled with trees.
At the end of his message, Pieten tried to put Minister Herdé into a sack to take him to Spain, but quickly realized that “Baba” has always behaved well. So they decided to save the sack for others who may not have behaved as nicely.
The Sinterklaas parade continued on the tram, passing through Caya G. F. Betico Croes, and ended at Plaza La Linda, where the celebration continued.
