Klozum
A Frisian island feast of disguise and satire.
Klozum, also spelled Klozem, is a holiday feast held annually on December 5th on the Dutch island of Schiermonnikoog. The name translates to "Uncle Claus," referencing Saint Nicholas, but the tradition is not directly tied to the mainland's Sinterklaas celebrations, which also occur on December 5th. Instead, it belongs to a family of similar customs found on other Frisian Islands, including Klaasohm on Borkum, Ouwe Sunderklaas on Texel, Opkleden on Vlieland, and Sunderklazen on Ameland.
During the feast, islanders dress up as "klozums" and go door-to-door. Their disguises often mimic prominent locals, national or international celebrities, or fantasy and fairy-tale characters like Arabs or cowboys. Both men and women participate, and they also distort their voices to conceal their identities.
The klozums begin their rounds around 8:30 p.m., either alone or in groups. To welcome them, residents leave their front doors slightly open, light a lantern, or leave a curtain open. Once inside, the klozums perform skits that act out various characters or situations, frequently satirizing important events or decisions from the past year on the island. After the klozums leave, the hosts must guess who was behind each disguise.
The celebration culminates in a demasking at midnight, when all klozums remove their masks and costumes to reveal their true identities. This is followed by festivities that continue into the night. If December 5th falls on a Sunday, the feast is moved to the preceding Saturday; if it falls on a Saturday, the feast is held on December 5th as usual.
Children on the island have their own version of the feast on December 3rd and 4th. These "lytje klozums" (little klozums) visit homes in the afternoon, shouting "Klozum, Klozum," and perform a short act or sing a song in exchange for candy or cookies.
Little is known about the history of Klozum. The tradition dates back at least to the 19th century, when several mentions of it were recorded.
- Celebrated on
- 5 December
- Location
- Schiermonnikoog, Netherlands
- Type
- Holiday feast
- Also known as
- Klozem
- Related traditions
- Klaasohm, Ouwe Sunderklaas, Opkleden, Sunderklazen
Lore & Background
During the feast, the islanders disguise themselves as 'klozums' and visit homes on the island. The disguises are often as prominent locals, national and international celebrities, and fantasy and fairy-tale characters such as Arabs or cowboys. Both men and women disguise themselves. The klozums also distort their voice in order to further disguise their identity. The klozums begin visiting homes on the island around 8:30 p.m., alone or in groups. In order to welcome the klozums, the homes' front doors are left ajar and a lantern is lit or a curtain is left open. Once inside, the klozums put on a performance, acting out various characters or situations, often satirizing important events or decisions that have taken place on the island in the past year. After the klozums have departed, the inhabitants must guess who had been hiding behind the disguises.
Reader's Guide
Klozum is a distinctive holiday tradition on the Dutch island of Schiermonnikoog, celebrated annually on 5 December. Its significance lies in its role as a community-bonding event that uses disguise and satire to reflect on local events and personalities. The tradition is not directly linked to the mainland Sinterklaas celebration, but shares roots with similar customs on other Frisian islands. The practice of demasking at midnight, followed by celebrations, reinforces communal identity and playful revelation. Children participate in their own version on 3 and 4 December, ensuring the tradition is passed to younger generations. Although its history is poorly documented, Klozum is known to date back at least to the 19th century. The feast is moved to the following Monday if 5 December falls on a Saturday or Sunday, showing its adaptability. Overall, Klozum serves as a living example of regional folk culture, emphasizing anonymity, performance, and social commentary within a small island community.
Did You Know?
- Klozum is celebrated only on the Dutch island of Schiermonnikoog.
- The name literally means 'Uncle Claus' (as in Saint Nicholas).
- Children have their own Klozum feast on 3 and 4 December, called 'lytje klozums'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Klozum?
Klozum is a traditional island feast built around satirical disguise and door-to-door visits, practiced by residents of Schiermonnikoog in the Netherlands. It is sometimes spelled "Klozem" and is best understood as a local Frisian community custom rather than a single mythological character.
When and where does Klozum take place?
The celebration occurs every December 5th on the Wadden island of Schiermonnikoog. Islanders don disguises and walk from house to house as the central act of the feast.
What does the name "Klozum" actually mean?
The term translates roughly to "Uncle Claus," a colloquial nod to Saint Nicholas. Despite this linguistic connection, the tradition operates independently from the more widely known mainland Sinterklaas festivities.
How is Klozum different from Sinterklaas?
Although both fall on December 5th and share a name root linked to Saint Nicholas, Klozum is a distinct Frisian island custom rather than part of the broader Dutch Sinterklaas observance. Its emphasis on satirical disguise and local community participation sets it apart from the mainland's more formal celebration.
Are there similar customs on other Frisian islands?
Yes—Klozum belongs to a wider family of island feasts that include Klaasohm on Borkum, Ouwe Sunderklaas on Texel, Opkleden on Vlieland, and Sunderklazen on Ameland. These related traditions all share the core idea of a December 5th disguise-based community event.
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