KOZP closes chapter with final demonstrations in Yerseke and Texel

After 15 years of struggle, one of the most influential anti-racism movements in the Netherlands is coming to a historic end: Kick Out Zwarte Piet (KOZP) and its parent organization, Nederland Wordt Beter (NLWB). What began as a grassroots movement against a persistent racist tradition grew into a national wave of awareness that changed the Sinterklaas celebration forever.

Last year, KOZP and the Netherlands Is Getting Better Movement canceled demonstrations in more than 30 locations after constructive discussions and collaboration with the municipalities and arrival committees. This trend has continued this year in the Wadden Sea area and surrounding areas, and it seemed that KOZP demonstrations would be unnecessary this year.

The mission, it turns out, wasn’t quite complete yet. While most of the Netherlands has said goodbye to Black Pete, signs of traditional blackface figures are reappearing in Yerseke and Texel at the 2025 parades. Therefore, KOZP is organizing the last two demonstrations in the movement’s history on November 15th — a symbolic finale in the campaign for a racism-free Sinterklaas celebration.

“We had hoped that a demonstration wouldn’t be necessary this year,” KOZP said in a statement. “But as long as there are municipalities where Black Dutch people are still confronted with caricatures of their skin color, protest remains necessary.”

Right to protest under pressure

In Yerseke in particular, the right to demonstrate still faces local resistance. Last year, the KOZP protesters’ route was changed, preventing them from protesting visibly or audibly during the parade. “A violation of a fundamental right,” according to the organizers. This year, too, the municipality appears reluctant to make the festivities inclusive.

On Texel, where the national arrival of Sinterklaas in 2025 will take place, KOZP’s investigation revealed that some participants are still wearing Afro wigs, brown face paint, and exaggerated soot marks. An official letter to the mayor went unanswered. The result: a new moment of protest to keep the public conversation alive.

The end of an era

In December 2025, Nederland Wordt Beter will dissolve. This will also mark the end of KOZP, which, along with organizations like Stop Blackface, led the public debate on racism, heritage, and representation for many years.

“On December 5, 2025, we will have achieved our goals and our work will be done. But the fight for equality isn’t over yet. Now it’s up to a new generation to take over,” the organization says.

The ‘Take Over the Baton’ campaign calls on activists, artists, teachers and young people to continue anti-racism work in their own communities.

Festive closing

The farewell to “Nederland Wordt Beter” (The Netherlands Is Getting Better) will be celebrated in style. On November 30th, the event “Het Laatste Woord” (The Last Word) will take place at the International Theater Amsterdam (ITA); a theatrical tribute featuring personal stories, panel discussions, and live music, honoring activists and allies.

A week later, on December 5th, the dissolution party will take place at the Melkweg in Amsterdam: a festive yet emotional conclusion to a movement that has made history. Just before midnight, Nederland Wordt Beter will be ceremonially dissolved.

Educational legacy

In addition to the demonstrations and celebrations, NLWB’s legacy lives on through educational projects like “Forgotten Pages” – a historical calendar featuring more than 160 forgotten stories from the slavery and colonial past. Launched on October 11, the calendar aims to contribute to lasting awareness and knowledge transfer.

A legacy of change

What began fifteen years ago as a small group of people with banners and megaphones has led to a national cultural shift. Schools, municipalities, and national media now recognize that the image of Black Pete is inextricably linked to racist stereotyping.

KOZP demonstrates that perseverance and activism can truly change policy. But the organization warns: “Racism won’t disappear with the abolition of Black Pete. The work continues, in classrooms, on the work floor, and in public debate.”

📅 Demonstrations: November 15, 2025 – Yerseke & Texel

📍 Registration:
https://forms.gle/adsUwc2vHpxkpdhi7

🎭 The Last Word: November 30 – ITA Amsterdam

🎉 Closing party: December 5 – Melkweg Amsterdam

📘 More info:
www.nederlandwordtbeter.nl |
www.neemhetstokjeover.nl