A girl dressed as Saint Nicholas passes Dutch police officers in Maassluis, Netherlands, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, and his helper Black Pete are at the center of a long-time controversy because Pete is often played by white people in blackface makeup. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
The Associated Press
MAASSLUIS, Netherlands (AP) - Dutch police have detained dozens of protesters and arrested a man carrying a large knife in a bag amid tight security for the arrival of the Dutch Saint Nicholas.
The arrests Saturday came as thousands of families lined the historic harbor of Maassluis to welcome the character known as Sinterklaas, with children clambering up trees and street lights to get a better view.
The Sinterklaas celebration has in recent years been at the center of a debate about race in the Netherlands. That's because of his helper "Black Pete," who is often played by white people in blackface makeup.
Police spokeswoman Marjan Koert had no further details about the arrest of the armed man. Police tweeted that two busloads of protesters were detained in nearby Rotterdam.
A Black Pete interacts with children during the arrival of Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, in Maassluis, Netherlands, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. Sinterklaas and his helper Black Pete are at the center of a long-time controversy because Pete is often played by white people in blackface makeup. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
The Associated Press
Patrick Mathurin, who plays Sinterklaas gets on a bus after being refused access to celebrations marking the arrival of Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, in Maassluis, Netherlands, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. Sinterklaas, normally played by a white actor, and his helper Black Pete are at the center of a long-time controversy because Pete is often played by white people in blackface makeup. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
The Associated Press
A far-right demonstrator and supporter of the Dutch Saint Nicholas holds a pro Black Pete banner in Maassluis, Netherlands, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. Sinterklaas and his helper Black Pete are at the center of a long-time controversy because Pete is often played by white people in blackface makeup. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
The Associated Press
A mother takes a selfie with her daughter and a Black Pete during the arrival of Sinterklaas, the Dutch Saint Nicholas, in Maassluis, Netherlands, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. Sinterklaas and his helper Black Pete are at the center of a long-time controversy because Pete is often played by white people in blackface makeup. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
The Associated Press
A police officer keeps an eye on the crowd as children gesture while singing songs during the arrival of Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, in Maassluis, Netherlands, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. Sinterklaas and his helper Black Pete are at the center of a long-time controversy because Pete is often played by white people in blackface makeup. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
The Associated Press
A Black Pete poses with a child during the arrival of Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, in Maassluis, Netherlands, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. Sinterklaas and his helper Black Pete are at the center of a long-time controversy because Pete is often played by white people in blackface makeup. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
The Associated Press