What is the story of Zwarte Piet?

In Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas has a “helper” named Zwarte Piet, or “Black Pete,” who usually appears as a blackface character with large gold earrings and exaggerated lips. In the weeks leading up to the saint’s name day, cities and towns host parades featuring hundreds of white people dressed as Piet.

Why does Sinterklaas come from Spain?

Sinterklaas is said to come from Spain, possibly because in 1087, half of Saint Nicholas’ relics were transported to the Italian city of Bari, which later formed part of the Spanish Kingdom of Naples.

Where does Sinterklaas live?

Though the historical Saint Nicholas lived in modern-day Turkey, Sinterklaas resides in Spain with his helpers, the Zwarte Pieten, who travel with him to the Netherlands every November to celebrate his birthday.

Which countries celebrate Sinterklaas?

Sinterklaas – Saint Nicholas Day Celebration in Belgium and the Netherlands. Sinterklaas is an old tradition dating back to the 3rd century. In fact, the name Santa Claus comes from the name Sinterklaas. Sinterklaas is an elderly man with white hair and a long beard.

What is the difference between Sinterklaas and Santa Claus?

While Santa Claus is said to live on or near the North Pole together with his helpers, Sinterklaas lives in an unspecified (but likely Southern) castle in Spain. Sinterklaas and Santa Claus both spend most of their days preparing for Christmas.

What is De Staf van Sinterklaas?

De staf van Sinterklaas is “The staff of Santa” in dutch.

Is Sinterklaas a religious holiday?

What I’ve found most interesting is the the distinction between Christmas (25 December) as a religious holiday and Sinterklaas (5 December) as a more secular holiday. Christmas, as a religious celebration of Jesus’ birthday, seems to be largely distinct from the Sinterklaas tradition.

What did Sinterklaas do?

At night, Sinterklaas rides across the rooftops on his white horse Amerigo and places little treats or gifts in the children’s shoes, assisted by his helpers, the Peters. Traditional sweets are gingerbread men, spiced biscuits, marzipan and chocolate letters.

How did Sinterklaas start?

The tradition of Sinterklaas comes all the way from the Netherlands, brought by Dutch settlers who arrived in Rhinebeck over 300 years ago. Sinterklaas, the patron of children and sailors, finds a welcoming community in the Mid-Hudson Valley as we re-create the story through the lens of modern-day America.

What is the Zwarte Piet character?

The Zwarte Piet character is part of the annual feast of St. Nicholas, celebrated on the evening of 5 December (Sinterklaasavond, that is, St. Nicholas’ Eve) in the Netherlands, Aruba, and Curaçao, and on 6 December in Belgium, when presents and accompanying sweets are distributed to children.

How many people were arrested in the Zwarte Piet attack?

Around 40 people were arrested, primarily counterprotesters supporting Zwarte Piet, who attacked anti-racist demonstrators with eggs and bananas, and in some places, Hitler salutes.

Is Zwarte Piet a vestige of slavery?

In 2015, a report by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) said it was a vestige of slavery. Last year, reality TV star Kim Kardashian tweeted about the “disturbing” images from a weekend of protest and counter-protests against Zwarte Piet, and racist chanting at a football match.

When is Zwarte Piet in Belgium?

The holiday is celebrated on 6 December in Belgium. The Zwarte Piet characters appear only in the weeks before the Feast of Saint Nicholas, first when the saint is welcomed with a parade as he arrives in the country (generally by boat, having traveled from Madrid, Spain).