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A case of discrimination or misunderstood admiration?
One of the nicknames of Zwarte Piet is pieterbaas [Pete the Boss]. Even though Saint Nick is the leading figure at these annual children’s parties in the Low Countries, it is Zwarte Piet who controls the situation. He may threaten the kids with his birch rod, an instrument ordinarily used to sweep chimneys, but will do so only in jest to make sure the kids were not naughty in the past year. Zwarte Piet is cool, athletic and likes to make jokes. Best of all, he carries a big bag filled with candy.
Next to Zwarte Piet, Saint Nick is rather stodgy and boring. The celebration is, however, considered great fun, involving gifts from an important man from a nation far far away. Though originally Greek, Saint Nicholas in this story arrives in the Low Countries by boat from Spain.
Is Zwarte Piet Black Face?
Without a doubt, Zwarte Piet is black face. The person is meant to portray a Moorish figure, also from Spain. The entire ensemble portrays a foreign visit, dressed in ancient clothes, bringing gifts. The participants portray therefore people from a different place and culture and are being portrayed mostly in a positive light. It is theater at its best. Having fun is an important intention of the celebration; it’s a children’s festivity after all. Let me write this here in black and…
