Divisive character Black Pete sparks clashes in Netherlands

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Scattered confrontations broke out Saturday between supporters and opponents of the divisive helper of the Dutch version of Santa Claus, police and media reported, amid a fierce and increasingly polarized debate about the helper known as Black Pete.

White people often daub their faces with black paint when they dress up to play the character. Opponents say such depictions of Black Pete promote racist stereotypes. Supporters defend the sidekick of Sinterklaas, the whitebearded, red-robed Dutch version of St. Nicholas, as a traditional children’s character.

A nationally televised parade to welcome Sinterklaas in the historic village of Zaandijk, north of Amsterdam, went off peacefully.

A boat carrying Sinterklaas sailed into the harbor accompanied by dozens of Black Petes, their faces painted varying shades — from uniformly dark to smudged with dark streaks. Thousands of children, many wearing Black Pete costumes, lined streets to greet Sinterklaas, many sitting on the shoulders of a parent and grabbing handfuls of candy handed out by Black Petes.

But there were confrontations at some parades across the country.

Police in Rotterdam tweeted they made three arrests as supporters of Black Pete clashed with anti-Pete protesters. In the northern city of Leeuwarden, police said they “prevented two groups getting into a fight.”

Police in The Hague said riot police kept pro-Pete activists away from anti-Pete protesters as they were escorted to the city’s main railway station.

PATRICK POST/AP Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of St. Nicholas, and his helper Black Pete arrive Saturday in Monnickendam, Netherlands. Opponents say Black Pete promotes racist stereotypes.