Thanks. I’m now trying out different colour combinations. More drawings are coming.
Do you know if there are differences in Celebrating Sinterklaas in Belgium compared to The Netherlands? Is there also a market for the Pieten in Belgium?
Yes, well, the controversy is a bit different here - I think at least in part because of the series
Dag Sinterklaas from the early nineties.
When I was young, they aired that popular Sinterklaas series on TV and it already addressed and changed parts of the old narrative. We grew up learning the black came from the soot in the chimney, and Piet was portrayed as Sint's playful, funny best friend (as opposed to Sint as his superior and someone who punishes kids). They also did away with the stick (roe) and Sinterklaas always concluded there were no naughty children at all. But the way Piet looked was still wildly problematic (golden earrings, wig with curly hair, red lipstick).
Since people spoke out against it, they've created a new television show with Pieten with a few black smudges from the soot, no wigs, no offensive imagery. They also added new characters, and female characters too. I think within the next 5 to 10 years, it will be the new normal for everyone. There's less of a heated debate here, less protest on the streets like we hear about in the Netherlands.
We see the same marketing changes you mention: Some companies (f.e. for chocolate men, speculoos...) decide to incorporate Pieten with smudges, some have dropped Piet and focus on Sinterklaas and his horse, and a small minority haven't made any changes. I think they're waiting to see where it goes.
I still see old books, drawings and toys with the old imagery, but there's also a lot of new material blending in with the old too. To anwser your question: there is definitely a market for Pieten here. It's easily the most celebrated holiday for kids.
