Police arrest 60 at Dutch Christmas festival during protests over traditional 'Black Pete' clowns with blacked-up faces

by Unknown 11:10 0 comments

Dutch police have arrested 60 protesters at a traditional 'Black Pete' celebration which sees people black-up their faces and dress as clowns.

The event celebrates the arrival of Saint Nicholas and his jester companion 'Black Pete', but some say the tradition of people painting their faces black is racist.

Protesters scuffled with police in the Dutch city of Gouda as thousands of children gathered to welcome the arrival of Sinterklaas - or Father Christmas - and Black Pete.

Around 60 people were arrested as tensions boiled over during protests over traditional 'Black Pete' clowns who black up their faces

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