Low-key arrival for St. Nicholas amid Dutch restrictions Saint Nicholas has arrived in the Netherlands amid a partial coronavirus lockdown that forced the cancellation of celebrations in towns and cities across the countryTHE HAGUE, Netherlands -- Saint Nicholas, the gift-bearing patron saint of children, arrived in the Netherlands on Saturday amid a partial coronavirus lockdown that forced the cancellation of celebrations in many towns and cities. The celebrations have in recent years seen protests by activists against Sinterklaas' helper, Black Pete, who is often portrayed by white people in blackface makeup. Opponents call Black Pete a racist caricature, while supporters argue he is a harmless children's figure and part of Dutch tradition. Anti-Black Pete activists in the Netherlands planned a demonstration in Breda, one of several Dutch cities that have replaced Black Pete with a Gray Pete. For members of the “Kick Out Black Pete” group, the change doesn't go far enough.

Source: ABC News November 14, 2020 12:32 UTC