Dutch Christmas traditions have long included a blackface servant known as Zwarte Piet, but anti-racism activists are now calling for this to end. Every year, thousands of people line the streets across the Netherlands to celebrate the festival of Saint Nicholas, or, as he is better known, Sinterklaas. See more In northern Europe, Saint Nicholas is known as Sinterklaas, a man who rides a gray horse called Amerigo and hands out presents on his birthday, Dec. 5th. But Sinterklaas only gives presents to nice children. The naughty … See more The exact origins of Black Pete are hazy, but he is largely believed to have come from a children’s book in the early 19th century. A Sinterklaas helper was first mentioned in 1800, … See more The movement to get rid of the Zwarte Piet blackface tradition strengthened in 2011. That year, protesters from a national campaign called … See more In November, parades are held across the Netherlands to celebrate Sinterklaas. Those cosplaying as Zwarte Piet are usually white people dressed in outlandish costumes, afro wigs, and red lipstick. They paint their faces black … See more WebSep 18, 2024 · After years of debate and at times violent protest, this year’s Christmas-season Saint Nicholas parade in the Netherlands will not feature white people in blackface …
The Fight Against
WebDec 9, 2015 · How Dutch Activists Are Fighting a Christmas Blackface Tradition. People line the streets near the pier as Sint Piter, named after the patron saint of fishermen Saint Peter, and Zwarte Piet (or ... WebNov 30, 2015 · Dutch blackface tradition debated Though the story of Zwarte Piet is said to date back hundreds of years, it was popularized in a 19th-century children’s book. poolheat mechelen
‘The Office’ Cuts Blackface Scene, ‘Community’ Removes Full …
WebDec 5, 2024 · In the Netherlands, this Christmas season was ushered in with festive parades, gift-giving, and protests over a character in blackface. The figure at the center of the controversy is Zwarte... WebNov 17, 2024 · Sinterklaas, the Dutch Santa Claus, has a contentious helper in the Netherlands. "Zwarte Piet" or Black Pete has a painted black face, bright red-colored lips … WebNov 30, 2024 · When the festive figure Sinterklaas rolled through the Dutch town of Apeldoorn in November, he was greeted by TV crews, cheering crowds, and an inevitable … pool heating sunshine coast