He is back in the country. Who? The Saint! Also this year we would like to talk to you about how we celebrate his birthday. And... how this is still celebrated in some places with Zwarte Piet. Or even with Gray Pete (hmm, seriously?). Or uh... with any kind of Pete with racist characteristics, such as an afro wig, red lipstick and gold earrings. We fight for an equal and fair world, and that starts with us speaking out in favor of an equal society and against racism. In favor of an inclusive Sinterklaas party, against Zwarte Piet.
inclusive Sinterklaas party
One of our core values is 'makes you happy'. Our mission is to ensure that everyone in the chain is happy with our chocolate, from the cocoa farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast to our chocolate fans. Also during the Sinterklaas celebration. Due to the presence of Zwarte Piet, it has not been a fun party for many chocolate fans for years. This is because this figure is a direct reference to the Dutch history of colonialism and the painful history of slavery, in which black people were oppressed. This is discriminatory and offensive to many people. And of course that doesn't make us happy at all. That is why we are in favor of an inclusive Sinterklaas celebration. A party for all children.
Get involved!
Luckily things are going in the right direction! More and more municipalities, companies and people are speaking out against Zwarte Piet and agree that the Sinterklaas celebration should be inclusive. On the right track! Together let's say goodbye to this hurtful and racist figure for good. Will you join us? On on the website of Party for All Children you will find a lot of tips for celebrating an inclusive Sinterklaas party at home. You will find Sinterklaas songs, books, the Sinterklaas game and you can order an inclusive Sinterklaas package for home. Three guesses what's in there anyway...? Precisely! This bar above (and much more to celebrate an inclusive Sinterklaas party). For every inclusive Sinterklaas package you purchase, they donate one to a less fortunate family in the Netherlands (in collaboration with Food Banks Netherlands). And even more importantly, you can also take action yourself, for example by sending a letter for an inclusive Sinterklaas party at your school, work or in your municipality.