St Nicholas Day (Miklavz), December 6
St Nicholas Day (Miklavz), December 6, is the special day of gift-giving for children. The weeks before are the time for Miklavz fairs or markets.
Virtually every town and village has St. Nicholas celebrations. Events on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, December 5, are rather scary, as St. Nicholas is accompanied by devil-like creatures that who scold children who have misbehaved.
The night before the Feast of St. Nicholas, children put a shoe outside the door, hoping it will be filled with treats of fruit, candies, coins, and small toys. The saint’s companion Parkelj, a Krampus-like figure, may leave coal or cinders and switches for naughty children. Or more likely, a mix of both, as most children behave in both good and bad ways.
The feast day itself usually begins with Mass and the priest joins in the later festivities. The choir may sing with the children joining in. St. Nicholas appears, his staff decorated with ribbons and flowers, carrying a big white book with the names of good children. Angels come along to assist in giving gifts and small devils carry chains to frighten naughty children. St. Nicholas reads the children’s names from the book, praising their good behaviour, and giving the gift an angel hands to him. Then St Nicholas tells the not-so-good children to be better and kinder in the next year, while the small devils jump around, rattling their chains frighteningly. After the children promise to behave in the future, they, too, receive a gift of sweets.
The rest of the day is spent in family activities.
SLOVENIAN ASSOCIATION MELBOURNE
invites all members, family and friends to our long-awaited, annual visit from
St Nicholas with his angelic and devilish entourage
Sunday 3rd December 2023
Bring your kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews, to experience this cherished Slovenian tradition.
~ Live acoustic entertainment ~
~ Jumping castle, kiddies playground, face painting, and balloon artistry for the young ones (and young at heart) ~
Bar is open from 12 noon.
Enjoy a delicious, home-style Slovenian BBQ lunch in the dining room from 12.30 p.m., including dessert.
SDM financial members: FREE
Non-members: $25
Kids’ menu available
Please leave your gifts with staff at the bar.
Bookings essential and close on 27th November 2023 on our website
If you do not have internet access, call the club booking number on 0431 470 134.
Thank you to the St Nicholas Centre for the information on Miklavž in Slovenia above.
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