Access gates, searches at Sinterklaas arrival this year

To prevent the national arrival of Sinterklaas from getting out of hand, the municipality of Zaandstad is implementing extra security measures and strict rules for protestors. Demonstrators will have fixed areas for their protests, far away from other protesting groups, and there will be access gates and extra searches at the arrival on November 17th, ANP reports.

The area where Sinterklaas arrives, will be closed down with fences. Visitors can only enter through access gates, where bags and jackets will be searched. No glassware or drones will be allowed.

Both pro- and anti-Zwarte Piet protesters, who registered their demonstrations with the municipality and had it approved, will be assigned fixed areas where they can demonstrate. The areas will be far apart, to prevent confrontations between different groups, the municipality said. The groups must stay in their designated areas during the arrival. No face-covering clothing, alcohol or drugs will be allowed in these areas.

Sinterklaas will make his national arrival in the municipality of Zaanstad on November 17th.