Two zwarte pieten giving out candy to children.
Two zwarte pieten giving out candy to children at the saturday market in Alphen aan den Rijn
November 25, 2017 Aarplein West, Alphen aan den Rijn
Context: Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) is a traditional companion of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) in Dutch festivities. Traditionally portrayed with blackface makeup, the character has been at the centre of a longstanding public debate about racism, cultural traditions and changing social attitudes in the Netherlands. In recent years, many celebrations have moved towards alternative portrayals, particularly Sooty Piet, with soot marks instead of blackface.
This photograph documents a scene from everyday public life in the Netherlands in 2017, during a period of growing controversy surrounding the tradition.