Black Piet is not welcomed in Canada after racism complaints

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 November 2011 13:35 Saturday, 26 November 2011 13:34

Written by China Times

Black Piet is no longer welcome at the Dutch Sinterklaas celebration in the Canadian city of New Westminster after complaints from the African group.

The helpers of the saint have a racist undertone, as the Canadian newspaper Vancouver Sun reported on Friday. “It does not belong to the present time. It is insulting and does not belong to the celebration of Sinterklaas.”

The Sinterklaas-organization then decided not to let Black Piet take part in the arrival of Sinterklaas next week and has apologized to those who feel that the festivities are offensive.

“After investigation, we concluded that the complaints are justified,” said Tako Slump, the organizer. “We guarantee that no offensive black faces will show”

The organization of the Dutch community wants to know how the arrival would proceed without the presence of Black Piet. Annually the festival draws 400 to 600 Canadians of Dutch origins.