Sinterklaas and The Parrots for Peace

Holiday season has begun and The Parrots for Peace are spreading their good cheer. P1910632They were invited to participate in a popular seasonal event in Kingston to bring to life in a contemporary way the legend of Sinterklaas and the spirit of generosity this time of year signals around the world. St. Nicholas was a generous Turkish man who was sainted for his charitable spirit without need for recognition or repayment. This “from the heart” idea of helping and giving is a reminder to us all throughout the year to have compassionate views and to be of service to others. The Parrots for Peace were at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston to start off the day listening to poems, stories, songs, music, watching a dance performance and then getting to meet Sinterklaas. They moved to midtown Kingston for a celebration put on by community members with a traditional song, a warm fruit punch and gift bags of goodies and treats for everyone in the Mexican and Latin American style of the season’s festivities. Then the Parrots for Peace had a one hour time to tell their story and get to meet lots of people to share their love and message of a shared world with mutual respect for all life. They walked in a procession with Sinterklaas and a man with bells ringing out the hopeful and magical times ahead in the coming new year when you see things with an open heart.