Dutch police have arrested 90 people protesting for and against the controversial "Black Pete" figure at the start of the traditional gift-giving festival of Saint Nicholas in the central city of Gouda, officials say.
"Sixty people were arrested for demonstrating in unauthorised areas, and 30 for disturbing the peace," during Saturday's children-oriented procession attended by thousands and broadcast live on national television, police spokeswoman Yvette Verboon told AFP.
"Arrests were made on both sides," Verboon said amid an increasingly acrimonious and racially-charged debate in the Netherlands.
State broadcaster NOS showed images of minor scuffles breaking out on the main square, where Saint Nicholas appeared on a balcony, with protesters unfurling a large banner reading "Black Pete Racism".
Prime Minister Mark Rutte called the arrests "deeply, deeply sad".
"Everyone can talk about Black Pete's colour but you can't disturb a children's party like that," he told NOS.
The debate around Black Pete, the jolly sidekick of the Dutch Saint Nicholas has divided the Netherlands.
Many say that Pete -- traditionally dressed in a gaudy medieval costume with a blackened face, red lips and an afro wig -- is a racist stereotype dating from the colonial era.
Black Pete's defenders say he is black from coming down the chimney and refuse to admit there might be anything racist about the historic character.
"Some black kids feel hurt at this time of year," said a man at the procession who gave his name as Knoledge.
"It's a real shame that in a civilised country, in 2014, you still have to defend equality," he told AFP.
Fellow Dutchman Marco said: "This is how I celebrate, how my grandmother and grandfather and parents celebrated, and I don't think it's racist."
