The Christmas Tradition That Stopped Me in My Tracks
As one of the hosts of Rhythm and Roam podcast, I have had a lot of meaningful conversations about culture, travel, and the things that make us uncomfortable in ways that ultimately help us grow. The episode “Why Is Blackface a Dutch Christmas Tradition?” was one of those shows that stayed with me long after the microphones were turned off.
I recorded this conversation in person with someone from Belgium, right in the middle of the Christmas season, to talk openly about the story of “Black Pete”. For those who may not know, Black Pete is a traditional holiday figure that involves people painting their faces black. On the surface, some try to frame it as a harmless tradition. But once you dig deeper, especially when you listen to the voices of people who live there today, it becomes clear why it is so controversial and why many Belgians are pushing back hard against it.
As a Black man, I will be honest. Seeing people in blackface made me deeply uncomfortable. There is no way to soften that feeling or explain it away with nostalgia or excuses about history. Sitting across from my guest, hearing how even many white Belgians now reject Black Pete, helped me understand how societies evolve and how traditions are not immune from critique. Just because something has existed for decades does not mean it deserves a permanent pass.
What made this episode powerful was the honesty. There were moments of discomfort, moments of learning, and yes, even moments of humor, because sometimes you laugh out of disbelief. But mostly, it was emotional. It reminded me why we created the Rhythm and Roam podcast in the first place. To have the conversations people often avoid, especially while traveling through cultures different from our own.
If you have not watched this episode yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. It is not always easy, but it is important. You can find it on our YouTube channel and at www.rhythmandroam.com. Watch it, sit with it, and let us know how it made you feel.
~Paul Island