The Netherlands is known as the liberal bastion of Europe - with relaxed attitudes to drugs and sex - but when it comes to Christmas, things are a little different. According to tradition, around mid-November St Nicholas, or Sinterklaas, is supposed to arrive in the country from Spain where he spreads Christmas cheer, with most towns holding parades. However, Sinterklaas also has a helper - Zwarte Pieten, or 'Black Pete' - who has attracted criticism in recent years over allegations the character is racist. Scroll down for video Racist? As part of Dutch Christmas tradition towns hold Sinterklaas parades, where a man playing St Nicholas marches through the streets along with his helper Zwarte Pieten, or 'Black Pete'
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As part of Dutch Christmas tradition towns hold St Nicholas parades
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Sinterklaas marches through the streets along with helper 'Black Pete'
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Character has drawn criticism in recent years over allegations it is racist
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According to tradition character kidnaps naughty children in sacks
However officials refused to say whether or not the character of @placeholder was racist.