Dutch police arrest 100 protesters against Santa’s ‘racist’ sidekick

‘At least 100 people protesting against Black Pete, Santa’s black-faced companion in local folklore, have been arrested in the Netherlands, police said. The arrests took place during celebrations marking the start of the Christmas season.
On Saturday, people gathered in the Dutch town of Maasluis, near Rotterdam, to welcome the arrival of Saint Nicholas (also known as Santa Claus) and his companions. The event attracted an estimated 20,000 visitors, Dutch newspapers reported.
Among his companions was the controversial Black Pete, usually played by a white person who paints his face black and his lips bright red and dons an Afro-style wig. He is said to be black because he is a Moor from Spain, according to folklore.’
Read more: Dutch police arrest 100 protesters against Santa’s ‘racist’ sidekick