Queen Nikkolah

Exuberant children's party in the foyer

On 6 December, we will be celebrating a warm and playful St. Nicholas Day with Queen Nikkolah: the black, female counterpart to the classic St. Nicholas, created by artist and performer Laura Nsengiyumva.

For the sixth time in a row, she will be visiting Ghent for a cheerful afternoon full of dancing, reading, music, gifts, colouring pages, balloons, games, and more. This year, we welcome Queen Mimi for a celebration full of colour, energy, and imagination.

Some additional info

Queen Nikkolah demonstrates how traditions can evolve alongside society. She offers a positive, inclusive image that helps to break through the colonial past surrounding Black Pete, and celebrates diversity with dance, music, stories and fun games.

The project originated in 2017 within Brussels grassroots organisations and has grown into a new, shared folklore in which children, parents and artists create new stories together.

"Het is zeker niet mijn bedoeling om de geschiedenis van Sinterklaas te herschrijven, zoals sommigen denken. Maar met Queen Nikkolah wil ik wel heel graag een nieuw hoofdstuk aan het verhaal toevoegen” - Laura Nsengiyumva in het Nieuwsblad

An organisation of VIERNULVIER in collaboration with vzw Jong and Ha Concerts
photo © Michiel Devijver