Accusations of racism alter local Christmas tradition
Posted November 26, 2011 8:58 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS1130) – A Christmas tradition from Holland planned for New Westminster’s Quay is being called racist and next Saturday’s celebration has been changed as a result.
It’s a Dutch tradition called Sinterklaas featuring a Santa-like Saint Nicolas and a helper played by someone wearing blackface. It’s this character, called “Black Peter” that had critics calling the tradition offensive, and has made organizer Tako Slump re-think the tradition.
“I think they do have a point, where they’re coming from. I don’t want to organize anything offensive, so that’s why we’ve basically decided to not let Black Peter do his scene at all.”
But Slump still wants to meet with members of the local black community to talk more about the issue.
For close to two centuries the people of Holland have recognized December 5th, or thereabouts, as the day of the arrival of the venerated “Sinterklaas.” His arrival is a custom that brings joy and celebration to people of all ages in Holland.
The New Westminster Quay has been the focal point of this celebration for the Dutch Canadian community in the Lower Mainland for the last 26 years.
