Traditionally, the children of the Netherlands get their presents on the eve of december 5th. Already weeks before, Santa Claus – in the Netherlands called Sinta Klaas – roams through the shopping zones and his helpers, called black pete – zwarte piet in dutch – hand out sweets to the little kids. However, since some years, black pete is seen as a symbol of racism and this type of celebration not only is controversial, but has led to riots between followers of tradition and opponents of colonialism. The appearance of a zwarte piet brass band now is seen as a provocation.
