Public broadcasting company NTR has written to the Dutch society of mayors urging one town or city to come forward to host this year’s Sinterklaas season kick-off, RTL Nieuws has reported.

The arrival of Sinterklaas is always broadcast live on television but in the past few years has been beset by protests about the presence of Sinterklaas’ blackface assistants known as Zwarte Piet.

The letter was sent to mayors on March 7. ‘While we can wait until a local authority does come forward, given the amount of preparation needed, it would be risky to do so,’ NTR editor in chief Aje Boschhuizen wrote.

‘Of course, we don’t want a 66-year-old Dutch national television tradition to end this way, which is why I am asking you to help us.’

The appeal for help has now resulted in a number of places coming forward as potential hosts and talks are now underway, according to the Telegraaf.

Last year’s arrival in the Friesland town of Dokkum was marred when pro-Piet supporters blocked a motorway to stop protesters from holding a demonstration.