University of Wisconsin–Madison

Netherlands: Vanessa Ivanov (“We’re Not in Madison Anymore” Moment)

A view of the canal in Utrecht, there are people lining both sides of the canal as a colorful boat with costumed people waving floats by
The Sinterklaas Parade in Utrecht includes a canal portion, which we were able to catch in the city’s center.

As November comes to an end, the air is crisp and spirits are high. The holiday season is well underway here in Utrecht and across the Netherlands, where this past weekend saw the welcoming of Sinterklaas to the Dutch shores. Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, is the patron saint of children, who arrives in the Netherlands via steamboat to give presents to all the good children. Depicted as an old man with a long, white beard, wearing red and gold, he rides a white horse, aided by the Zwarte Piet (Black Pete).

A group of five students smile at the camera. There are two in the front and three in the back. They are on a bridge over the canal and are all wearing winter coats
Me and my unitmates at Sinterklaas, waiting for the boats to arrive by us.

The Zwarte Piet actors were true entertainers. During the canal portion of the parade, they were doing flips and tricks in their boats, from building a human pyramid to somersaulting in the air. I was truly concerned they would fall and make a splash; evidently, so was the City as there was a rescue patrol following close behind. It was really interesting to see how this one day brought such a diverse crowd together in celebration. With the day marking the broad start of the Christmas festivities, Utrecht was also thoroughly decorated in lights and greenery. Even if the parade is not for you, I highly recommend going for the decor and Ollieballen stands—memories will be made either way!

A headshot of Vanessa, a female student. She has long dark brown hair and is smiling at the camera with her mouth closed. She is wearing white and the background is blurry

Vanessa Ivanov

Hometown: Germantown, Wisconsin

Major: Economics (Math Emphasis)

Program: University College Utrecht Honors Exchange

In my study abroad search, I was driven by three priorities: program rigor, local immersion, and opportunities for self-growth. I found that the Netherlands, with its history of international cooperation and cultural exchange, offered a unique setting to deepen my academic pursuits while advancing my personal and professional development. I am very excited to spend my semester in Utrecht learning about local food, customs, and traditions to better understand a country outside of my own.