Low-key arrival for St Nicholas amid Dutch restrictions and racism protests

A woman wears clothing with text reading: ‘Black Pete Is Racism’ (AP)

The Netherlands is celebrating the arrival of Saint Nicholas, the gift-bearing patron saint of children, amid a partial coronavirus lockdown that forced the cancellation of traditional festivities in many towns and cities.

The Dutch celebrate who they call Sinterklaas on December 5 by giving gifts to children, but according to tradition the saint arrives in the country weeks earlier during what is usually a nationwide party.