Black Pete, Santa’s black-faced helper stirs up anti-racism protest

Controversial confederate of the Dutch Saint Nicholas, Black Pete, after returning to the town of Maassluis, near Rotterdam, on Saturday provoked a lot anti-racism protest. This led to the arrest of about 100 protesters. Black Pete (Zwarte Piet), according to Dutch folklore, is a Moor who originates from Spain and helps St. Nicholas in deciding which children have been well-behaved enough to receive presents. Black Pete is usually recognized by his black face, Afro hair and large red lips widely criticized as racist especially when white people play that role in parades for children.