We did it, kids! This year, at the arrival of Sinterklaas, there were Cheese Petes (it happened in Gouda), black-because-of-soot Petes, and rainbow Petes. Oh, and tons and tons of death threats, I’m-not-a-racist-you’re-politically-correct, and more fun kneejerks. Just like last year.
In the Netherlands, they celebrate Sinterklaas on December fifth, and every year there are critics about Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). When the international media picks it up, the Dutch are painted as Most Racist Ever. I hope I can explain the Dutch stance on this subject a little.
This Saturday marked the arrival of Sinterklaas in The Netherlands. Sinterklaas, a holiday celebrated on December 5th, has long been The Netherlands’ biggest gift-giving holiday. In the weeks leading up to it, the figure of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas, historically associated with the Bishop of Myra) arrives in the country and, in the nighttime, visits people’s […]