During the Sinterklaas entry, protesters of the action group ‘Zaankanters Against Racism’ were pelted with a dozen eggs in Westzaan. The demonstration area was also smeared in advance with manure. During the entry, there was talk of a blockade boat that deprived the demonstrators of the view of the children’s party. The action group demonstrates, because there are also entire Zwarte Pieten walking among the soot wipes.
A total of 30 members of Zaankanters Against Racism protested today during the arrival of Sinterklaas and his helpers in Westzaan. In the village there were still entirely Zwarte Pieten between the soot wipes.
In Zaanstad, attempts have already been made to change many entry points. There are already more Zwarte Pieten with soot. “Now they are demonstrating here, but that could have been done in more places in the country, where soot and Zwarte Piet is still mixed,” Joke Smit of the Sinterklaas Committee Westzaan tells NH Nieuws reporter Mischa Korzec on location.
Manure and eggs
The demonstration did not go smoothly. The area in which the demonstrators were allowed to demonstrate had already been smeared with manure. The demonstrators were also pelted with several eggs during the entry.
Just before Sinterklaas arrived by boat in Westzaan, a boat with a screen was placed between the demonstrators and the children. The boat had been removed by police earlier in the day.
Watch in the video below how the arrival of Sinterklaas in Westzaan went today. Text continues below video.
Sinterklaas entry Westzaan – NH Nieuws
‘A lot of emotions’
There is a lot of police among the happy children, who are waiting expectantly for Sinterklaas. “It is a pity that it has to be this way, but that does bring this party with it: many emotions and people who think something about it,” says Smit.
Earlier this week there was a conversation between the action group and the Sinterklaas Committee, but that came to nothing. Piet remained black and that was reason for Zaankanters Against Racism to demonstrate.
“I am dealing with a village community that needs a little longer for the change around Zwarte Pieten”
Smit talks about the conversation that the committee entered into with the demonstrators in advance. “For years there has been talk about what we will do during the arrival. Our goal is to make a nice and beautiful arrival for all our residents,” she emphasizes. “I’m dealing with a village community that needs a little longer for that, for a change around the Zwarte Piet.”
‘No more black face’
Meanwhile, in the background, it repeatedly sounds ‘no more blackface’. With drums, whistles, a megaphone, voices and banners, the Zaankanters Against Racism protesters make themselves heard. Zäzilie takes the floor on behalf of the group: “We are here to demonstrate against Zwarte Piet. Zwarte Piet is a racist caricature and that is really not possible.”
“Our goal is to have an inclusive Sinterklaas party for everyone”
The purpose of the protesters is not to demonstrate, she says. “Our goal is to have an inclusive Sinterklaas party for everyone. We will continue until it is necessary, until no Zwarte Piet is present at an entry.”
“Every Dutch person has now had the opportunity to spend half an hour on the internet to find out why Zwarte Piet is racism. And if you do not understand that yet, then you are actively participating in racism. And I think that is quite sad. .”
Demonstration again
Next week the action group will demonstrate again, this time at the Burcht in Zaandam. “Demonstration is allowed, that is a good right in the country,” emphasizes Smit.
Zaankanters Against Racism: “Within sight and hearing of the stage, we will once again make a clear counter-sound.”
View the photos of the Sinterklaas entry in Westzaan below.
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