Saint-Nicolas

According to legend, on the night of 5 to 6 December, St Nicholas is accompanied by the bogeyman, a menacing figure dressed in black who travels from house to house visiting children. According to tradition, St Nicholas travels on the back of a horse. Children are asked to provide food for the horse, such as hay, straw and grain. The two characters ask the children if they have been good and obeying this year. If they have, they will be blessed by Father Christmas and compensated with treats such as gingerbread and oranges. If not, the Père Fouettard threatens them with a cane to scare them away. The best-known treat in Alsace to celebrate this day is Manala. St Nicholas' Day festivities in Alsace begin at the end of November with a traditional market where you can shop for local specialities, specialities and Christmas decorations.

Illustration found on Pinterest, by Sally W.