White faces and black masks: The Dutch Sinterklaas tradition – A colonial hangover or a children’s tradition meant for everyone?

Open-minded attitudes and an international environment are two terms that describe Amsterdam and the Netherlands well. Yet, in contradiction, the Sinterklaas tradition and, especially, the ritual of dressing up as Zwarte Piet takes annually place in the Dutch society. The aggressively debated subject whether Zwarte Piet is racist has divided opinions; some view Zwarte Piet as offensive, while others think of him as completely harmless. Although, the increasingly challenging opinions and protesting by Afro-Dutch individuals has resulted in that celebrating and Zwarte Piet isn’t anything self-ev... Mehr ...