Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Black Pete protests: Anti-racism demonstrations in Netherlands over Christmas blackface character

Character of Black Pete, usually portrayed by white people in black facepaint, has sparked intense debate in recent years

Phoebe Weston
Saturday 16 November 2019 17:19 GMT
Comments
A shrinking majority of Dutch people say there is no reason to change a holiday tradition (pictured) they consider to be harmless fun.
A shrinking majority of Dutch people say there is no reason to change a holiday tradition (pictured) they consider to be harmless fun. (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Anti-racism campaigners have taken to the streets in The Hague to protest the impending arrival of a blackface character who traditionally accompanies Saint Nicholas.

The character of Black Pete, usually portrayed by white people in black facepaint, frizzy wigs and prominent red lipstick, has sparked intense discussion – and sometimes violent clashes – in recent years.

Thousands have taken to the streets in The Hague and protests have been planned across the country.

A shrinking majority of Dutch people say there is no reason to change a holiday tradition they consider to be harmless fun.

The United Nations has repeatedly called on the Dutch government to rid the pre-Christmas festivities of any racist features, but the government has so far declined to take a stance.

Last week, police arrested four people in The Hague after they stormed a building where anti-Black Pete activists were gathered, smashing windows and throwing fireworks in an apparent attempt to intimidate them.

The “Kick Out Black Pete” movement cancelled several events throughout the country after the incident, but were still set to stage protests in six cities.

Authorities in Apeldoorn, which hosts the nationally televised arrival of St Nicholas, said all main roads into the city centre had been blocked to traffic, while visitors had to pass through special entrance gates to reach the celebrations.

A recent opinion poll showed 59 per cent of all Dutch wanted to keep “Zwarte Piet” in blackface, while 26 per cent said the tradition needed to be changed gradually. In 2011, when the protests started, only 7 per cent of the Dutch said Pete should change.

Since then, major cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam and the national public broadcaster have decided to ditch blackface in favour of Petes smeared with soot – from the chimneys they are said to go down to bring children their presents.

About 15 per cent of the 17.3 million population of the Netherlands, which was for centuries a major colonial power, are from ethnic minorities.

Additional reporting by Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in