2. Sinterklaas is a mythical man who came from Spain in a boat to bring children presents. He and his horse arrive with his helpers and travels through all of the Netherlands from November 11 through December 4. He travels in parades and his helpers give pepernoten (ginger snap cookies) to all the children. Behind the scenes, the Piets (helpers) are spying on the children to make sure they are good or not. If they are good, Sinterklaas gives them presents.
3. There is global controversy over the Piets. They are white Dutch people painted in black-face. To those outside of Holland it does seem super racist, but to Nederlanders, it is a part of the culture. No, these Piets are not slaves. Their faces are black from going down chimneys to deliver the presents. Yes, I was uncomfortable as an American seeing black-face, but it did make sense after seeing the whole festivities that is not at all weird but very normal. Cool idea Dutch!
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