Zwarte Pieten, or “Black Peters,” has been a traditional part of the Sinterklaas celebration in the Netherlands, assisting St. Nicholas in the delivery of gifts. However, in recent years, the character of Zwarte Piet has faced increasing criticism and controversy for its racial undertones. The portrayal of Zwarte Piet involves individuals wearing blackface, complete with exaggerated red lips and curly wigs, perpetuating racial stereotypes.
Critics argue that Zwarte Piet is a racist caricature that reinforces harmful stereotypes.
In 2019, Al Jazeera reported that demonstrators protested “Black Pete” in cities across the Netherlands. News reports said about 40 people were arrested — mostly counterprotesters supporting Zwarte Piet who “attacked anti-racist demonstrators with eggs and bananas, and in some places, Hitler salutes.”
In Eindhoven and Rotterdam, Al Jazeera reported that counterprotests in support of “Black Pete” were particularly intense. The news reports said extreme right-wing supporters had dressed up as Zwarte Piet and handed out right-wing political party stickers to children.
Jerry Afriyie was one of two founders of the “Zwarte Piet is Racisme” campaign in 2011, according to Al Jazeera.
“There were bananas thrown at us. There were eggs thrown at us. We were called all types of racists slurs,” Afriyie told Al Jazeera at the time. “We were threatened by these people, very aggressively. They even did the Hitler sign, and in some places white power signs. It was a like a weekend of Dutch racism in full display, and people saw it.”
The use of blackface has deep historical ties to minstrel shows, where it was employed to dehumanize and mock people of African descent. As a result, the continued portrayal of Zwarte Piet has sparked debates over cultural insensitivity and perpetuation of racial stereotypes.
The Netherlands has experienced a societal divide regarding Zwarte Piet. While some defend the tradition as harmless folklore, others view it as a perpetuation of offensive imagery. The debate has led to calls for a reevaluation of the character, with growing demands to alter or eliminate the blackface aspect of Zwarte Piet to align with contemporary values of inclusivity and respect.
In recent years, there have been efforts to modernize the portrayal of Zwarte Piet, with some communities opting for alternatives such as “Chimney Pieten,” who are depicted as having soot-stained faces rather than black skin. These changes represent an ongoing conversation about cultural sensitivity and the need to reassess traditions that may carry historical baggage, challenging societies to evolve.
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