Schools and local authorities in the Netherlands are replacing traditional Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) celebrations and withdrawing funding from events because they are considered not inclusive, racist, and culturally insensitive.
In Utrecht, a primary school replaced its traditional Sinterklaas celebration with a more inclusive children’s festival, prompting parliamentary questions from lawmakers belonging to the right-wing Party for Freedom (PVV).
In Rotterdam’s Carnisse district, a neighborhood council voted 4–3 against funding a traditional Sinterklaas celebration featuring Zwarte Piet (Black Pete), threatening an event that had been held for more than 30 years.
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The controversy centers on Zwarte Piet, the traditional companion of Saint Nicholas, whose blackface appearance has increasingly been replaced by Roetveegpiet, a character with soot marks on his face.
Critics argue that the traditional portrayal perpetuates racist stereotypes, while supporters insist that it is an integral part of Dutch cultural heritage.
Sinterklaas is one of the Netherlands’ oldest and most cherished celebrations, traditionally observed on December 5, when children receive gifts and families gather to celebrate Saint Nicholas.