The Dutch version of St Nicholas arrived Saturday in an annual children's party in the city of Apeldoorn, accompanied by his sidekick, Black Pete.
White people often don black facepaint to play the character in parades across the country, which has become the source of friction among those who oppose it.
Opponents say such depictions promote racist stereotypes, while supporters defend the helper of St Nicholas as a traditional children's character.
For the first time there were no Petes in full black face at the official arrival. Organisers instead put smears on their faces to represent soot from chimneys they climb down to deliver gifts to children. The "soot" ranged from light to dark dustings.
The nationally televised arrival parade happened amid tight security in the central city.
Thousands of children and their parents cheered as the actor playing St Nicholas arrived while his helpers handed out candy.
Dutch media reported that the leader of the Netherlands' arm of anti-Islamisation movement PEGIDA - wearing a Pete costume and black face paint - was detained by police in Apeldoorn.
Police said in a tweet that a number of people were peacefully detained for refusing to go to locations set aside for demonstrators.
"I find the Black Pete important. It holds our norms and values," said Georges Schaffer, PEGIDA supporter. "Now it is the Black Pete, tomorrow is the Santa Claus and who will be next, next?"
Protests by supporters and opponents of Black Pete were expected at several locations around the country.
Some Dutch cities, including the capital, Amsterdam, have stopped using black face make-up in their St Nicholas parades.
APTN
