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The Netherlands - Sinterklaas survival guide - by Cormac Mac Ruairi and Pep Brouwer
When it comes to discussing the Dutch phenomenon of Sint Nicolaas and his feast day, Sinterklaas, on 5 December, many expats go straight for the jugular: his black "helpers", (Zwarte Pieten, singular Zwarte Piet) are really a caricature of black slaves.A libel, say Dutch traditionalists. To them, Zwarte Piet is Sint's valued companion; his black hue may owe more to his clambering up and down chimneys than his ethnic origin. (Although it is unclear how soot can bring about frizzy Afro hair and big red lips.) There is another view, held by both some expats and locals, namely: who cares? Sinterklaas is about having fun and goodwill to all.
Interestingly, when reporting on the arrival of Sinterklaas and his Zwarte Pieten this year, public broadcaster NOS said the Saint's steamboat sailed into a rainbow on the way to the Netherlands. As a result, the Zwarte Pieten have blue, green, yellow and red faces this year. A debate has since erupted on internet forums about the alleged political correctness of NOS.
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