Black Pete competes with Santa for spotlight

Black Pete, a traditional Christmas character in the Netherlands, is again causing controversy as the festive season begins. Scattered confrontations broke out Saturday between supporters and opponents of the divisive helper of the Dutch version of Santa Claus amid a fierce and increasingly polarized debate about Black Pete.

White people often daub their faces with black paint when they dress up to play the character.

Opponents say such depictions of Black Pete promote racist stereotypes. Supporters defend the sidekick of Sinterklaas, the white-bearded, red-robed Dutch version of St Nicholas, as a traditional children's character.