Protesters across the Netherlands have disrupted Christmas parades put on for young children, claiming the 'black-face' costumes of Santa's helpers are racist.
Children lined the streets to see parades of Saint Nicholas handing out gifts, but Santa's black-faced elves, known as 'Black Petes', saw arrests and clashes between far-left and far-right groups around the country.
Young children in towns and cities can watch the arrival of Saint Nicholas, along with his helpers, in celebrations held every November.
Protesters against Black Petes have claimed their costumes are racist because the white actors involved 'black up'.
Hard core members of Dutch football club PSV stand in front of anti racist demonstrators of Kick Out Black Pete in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Protesters across the Netherlands have disrupted Christmas celebrations put on for young children, claiming the 'black-face' costumes of Santa's helpers are racist
Those portraying Zwarte Piet put on blackface make-up and colourful Renaissance attire, in addition to curly wigs and light red lipstick to depict African features.
In the Dutch city of Rotterdam, disappointed revellers went home because of the noisy anti-blackface protesters.
In the city of Maas, the protesters left their designated demonstration boxes and witnesses spoke of 'total choas', De Telegraaf reports.
But some of the violence was also caused by football hooligans. They confronted a Kick Out Black Pete demonstration in the Dutch town of Eindhoven.
They threw cans of beer and eggs at the demonstrators and six people were arrested.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte had to appeal for calm on Friday amid scattered protests all over the country.
The protesters held signs reading 'party for every child' in Eindhoven. In the Dutch city of Rotterdam, disappointed revellers went home because of the noisy anti-blackface protesters
He is known as Zwarte Piet in the folklore of the Low Countries, including Belgium and Luxembourg.
The character first appeared in an 1850 book by Amsterdam schoolteacher Jan Schenkman. Traditionally, Zwarte Piet is black because he is a Moor from Spain.
Three-and-a-half-year-old Ita Krans, left, talks to Black Pete, the black-faced sidekick of Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus
Those portraying Zwarte Piet put on blackface make-up and colourful Renaissance attire, in addition to curly wigs and light red lipstick to depict African features.
In recent years, the character has become the subject of controversy and the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte had to appeal for calm on Friday amid scattered protests all over the country.
Police in Rotterdam tweeted that they made three arrests as supporters of Black Pete clashed with anti-Pete protesters.
Black Petes pose for the media during the arrival of Sinterklaas in Monnickendam, Netherlands, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018
Arrival of Sinterklaas in the city of Kampen where the helpers the Black Petes are walking through the crowded shopping street
In the northern city of Leeuwarden, police said they 'prevented two groups getting into a fight.'
In nearby Groningen, police separated two groups of protesters to prevent a confrontation.
Dutch media also reported that soccer fans confronted a small group of anti-Pete protesters in the southern city of Eindhoven, according to ABC.
Hard core members of Dutch football club PSV stand in front of anti racist demonstrators of Kick Out Black Pete
Black Petes interacts with children during the arrival of Sinterklaas in Monnickendam, Netherlands on Saturday
NTR, Dutch national TV, said last month the character of Zwarte Piet would this year only have soot smudges on his face for his official arrival this week.
'The NTR respects both tradition and change, but it is our public duty as an independent public broadcaster to reflect these changes in society,' said the broadcaster, which makes the programme for his arrival,' they said.
'Therefore the Black Petes this year will have soot on their hands and faces because they came through the chimney.
Arrival of Sinterklaas in the city of Kampen on the steam boat with Sinterklaas standing on the boat on Saturday
They will have different types of hair and will not be wearing golden earrings.'
Critics say his Afro hair, black skin, red lips and earrings are a reminder of the era when the Netherlands exploited slaves, notably in Suriname.
But many Dutch strongly defend the traditional Black Pete, with the most common explanation being that his face is black because of soot from the chimneys he descends to bring presents to excited children.
Arrival of Sinterklaas in the city of Kampen where the old Saint is riding his horse through the crowded shopping street surrounded by his helpers the Black Petes
A child dressed as Black Pete waits for the arrival of Sinterklaas, in Dokkum, northern Netherlands last year
A Black Pete interacts with children during the arrival of Sinterklaas in Maassluis, Netherlands, in November 2
https://hienalouca.com/2018/11/18/furious-anti-racism-protesters-clash-with-black-petes-at-controversial-annual-parades-in-holland/
Main photo article Protesters across the Netherlands have disrupted Christmas parades put on for young children, claiming the ‘black-face’ costumes of Santa’s helpers are racist.
Children lined the streets to see parades of Saint Nicholas handing out gifts, but Santa’s black-faced elves,...
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Dianne Reeves Online news HienaLouca
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