For the first time since 1938, children in Des Moines, Iowa, will participate in traditional Halloween trick-or-treating. This change comes after decades of the city observing ‘Beggars’ Night,’ which typically occurs the day before Halloween.
Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, has adhered to a unique tradition of holding ‘Beggars’ Night’ instead of Halloween for over eighty years. This practice was introduced in 1938 to curb vandalism and misconduct by encouraging children to offer entertainment, such as jokes, in exchange for treats. Typically, this event has taken place on October 30th, with children dressing up and visiting houses during limited hours.
However, this year marks a significant shift. Due to forecasts of heavy rain and thunderstorms, city officials decided to delay the event, aligning it with the national celebration of Halloween on October 31st. As Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte noted, the decision prioritizes the safety of residents and the enjoyment of the event by families and children.
Some Des Moines suburbs have also adopted this once-novel tradition, opting to adjust the date in the interest of community safety and cohesion. The local community, including costume shop owners like Debbie Westphal Swander, find the shift a refreshing alignment with the Halloween customs seen elsewhere in the country.
“I didn’t realize we were that much of an anomaly,” commented Swander, reflecting on the local tradition. “For us, this is normal. We’re going to be in sync at least for this year with the way the event is celebrated everywhere else.” For Swander and many others, the heart of the event remains focused on children’s joy and participation.
This year, Des Moines takes a step toward blending its unique tradition with the wider national celebration of Halloween. The decision, driven by weather concerns and community safety, offers a chance for residents to experience Halloween as it is enjoyed by the rest of the nation. As the city aligns with this broader celebration, the focus remains on creating a memorable experience for the children.
Source: Local10
