In the Dutch tradition, Santa (Sinterklass) arrived each year by boat at Meppel in the Netherlands well before his December 5 day. He then gets on his white horse and distributes presents to little children. There would be large parades with Sinterklass in Dutch cities..
Accompanying Sinterklass would be his Zwarte Pieten. Those portraying Zwarte Piet typically put on blackface make-up and colourful Renaissance attire, in addition to curly wigs, red lipstick and earrings. In recent years, the character has become the subject of controversy, especially in the Netherlands.
To me, the whole thing is a Dutch tradition and a harmless festival mainly for children so all the protests seem rather unnecessary. I wholeheartedly agree with Sanda's comments on this matter.
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