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'
@highlight
As part of Dutch Christmas tradition towns hold St Nicholas parades
@highlight
Sinterklaas marches through the streets along with helper 'Black Pete'
@highlight
Character has drawn criticism in recent years over allegations it is racist
@highlight
According to tradition character kidnaps naughty children in sacks
lack Pete'
lack Pete'
Black Pete
Officials ruled the parades could be stopped if they risked law and order, but refused to say whether @placeholder was racist
lack Pete'
lack Pete'
Black Pete
However officials refused to say whether or not the character of @placeholder was racist.