The Netherlands is renowned for its liberal attitude.

With unenforced marijuana laws, this heartland of gay pride is a cosmopolitan, immigrant-friendly hub of cultural diversity. Yet, amidst these remarkable advancements, there is one tradition that raises eyebrows across the world: Zwarte Piet.

Zwarte Piet, or “Black Pete,” is a longstanding event in the Netherlands that is used to welcome in the festive season. White Dutch wearing blackface and Afro wigs parade through towns and cities, performing comedy acts, singing, and so on.

Yet, the UN has recently called for a ban of the parades, describing them as racist.

In the Netherlands itself, many locals support the tradition, viewing it as an important cultural experience. Others, many of them members of immigrants families or immigrants themselves, oppose the practice on the grounds that it is not merely racially insensitive, but outright bigoted.

It is one of the countries most popular holiday happenings, but could it be in danger? Now that the Netherlands is becoming increasingly less homogenous, must it face the music of political correctness?

What do you think: important tradition or inexcusable racism?