Pieten

Pieten are the companions of Sinterklaas in the Dutch-speaking parts of Europe. They traditionally appear during the Sinterklaas season and play roles in arrival parades and gift-giving events, helping Sinterklaas by entertaining children and distributing presents. The term Pieten is the plural form of Piet, and the figures are commonly seen in festive costumes with bright colors and distinctive hats.

Historically, the image of Pieten developed in the 19th century journalism and literature for the Dutch tradition. In many older depictions, the assistants were shown with blackface makeup, exaggerated lips, and curly hair, a portrayal that has been linked to stereotypes of African ancestry. In some representations, soot smudges on the face were used to suggest that Piet had entered chimneys, a variant sometimes called roetveeg Piet in which the makeup is applied as small soot marks rather than full blackface.

In recent decades, the portrayal of Pieten has become a point of public debate. Critics argue that the traditional blackface depiction reinforces racial stereotypes, while supporters view it as a cultural tradition. In response, many towns and organizations in the Netherlands and Belgium have reimagined the Piet character. Reform variants include the roetveeg (soot-veiled) Piet, multiple Pieten of different appearances, and some editions that feature non-blackface portrayals or limited participation by Pieten.

Today, the presence and appearance of Pieten vary by region and event. The discussions surrounding Pieten reflect broader conversations about race, tradition, and inclusion in contemporary society. See also Sinterklaas.