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A suburban New York town has had to cancel its annual Christmas celebration, blaming rising costs due to Donald Trump’s global recession. Tariff,
Trump’s foreign trade wars have had an impact That meant the Sinterklaas celebration in Rhinebeck, About 100 miles north of New York City, the event has been canceled for the first time in 26 years.
“It’s hard to believe that something as unique and beloved as Sinterklaas could become a casualty due to lack of money – but that’s just the case,” organizers wrote in a farewell post, noting that their last hopes of saving the event had ended last month.
sinterklaas organizer highlights the direct impact of Trump’s tariffs, Considering that their lights made in China have almost tripled in price, making them unaffordable for most families.
The decorative stars, made in India to benefit an orphanage, accounted for about one-fifth of the festival’s budget. Organizers noted the possibility that the stars might get stuck in customs backlog anyway and thus would not be able to reach Rhinebeck in time for the event.
Arts grants have also been reduced or eliminated, the post said.
“Before saying goodbye, I want to use this moment to thank the amazing core group of people who have dedicated themselves and their creativity, camaraderie, hard work and talent to making Sinterklaas a success for 25 years,” said Gene Fleming, creator and coordinator of Sinterklaas Rhinebeck.
“To the hundreds of incredible artists and thousands of volunteers – thank you! I sadly say goodbye to all the creative time spent collaborating together in endless meetings and working dinners that went into making this one thing possible for everyone.
“Storytelling, laughter, music, drama, silliness and fun. It has been the greatest joy of my life to live and work with this extraordinary group of generous souls in this wonderful community to truly make magic happen… We love you all and thank you for the privilege of being able to work with us!”
Based on an old Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas is a one-day celebration in Rhinebeck where children dress up as kings and queens and are honored as bringers of light in the dark time of year.
The day culminates in the Children’s Starlight Parade, featuring giant puppets, kings and queens in sequined gowns, stars filled with lights, a life-size dancing bear, music and Sinterklaas – the famous figure based on the patron saint of children, St. Nicholas.