Sinterklaas Sinterklaas Sinterklaas () or "Sint-Nicolaas" () is a legendary figure based on Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children. Other names for the figure include "De Sint" ("The Saint"), "De Goede Sint" ("The Good Saint"), and "De Goedheiligman" ("The Good Holy Man") in Dutch; "Saint Nicolas" in French; "Sinteklaas" in West Frisian; "Sinterklaos" in Limburgs; "Saint-Nikloi" in West Flemish; and "Kleeschen" and "Zinniklos" in Luxembourgish. The feast of "Sinterklaas" celebrates the name day of Saint Nicholas on 6 December. The feast is celebrated annually with the giving of gifts on St. Nicholas' Eve (5 December) in the Netherlands and on the
Saint Nicholas Day Bari, the evening before 9 May, known as Shen'Kolli i Majit (Saint Nicholas of May). Albanian Catholics often swear by Saint Nicholas, saying "Pasha Shejnti Shen'Kollin!" ("May I see Holy Saint Nicholas!"), indicating the importance of this saint in Albanian culture, especially among the Albanians of Malësia. On the eve of his feast day, Albanians will light a candle and abstain from meat, preparing a feast of roasted lamb and pork, to be served to guests after midnight. Guests will greet each other, saying, "Nata e Shen'Kollit ju nihmoftë!" ("May the Night of Saint Nicholas help you!") and other such