Black Pete; Sinterklaas; Zwarte Piet

Saint Nicholas is followed by his two assistants called "Zwarte Piet" (Black Pete) during a traditional holiday parade.

Is Black Pete a black mark on the Netherlands?

November 18, 2013Lifestyle & Belief

Santa Claus arrived in the Netherlands over the weekend, or rather “Sinterklaas,” as he’s known there. He doesn’t come with elves, though. Instead, he has a sidekick called “Black Pete,” who wears blackface, red lipstick and a wig. For some, he’s a beloved Dutch tradition. For others, “Black Pete” is just plain racist.