For the first time since 1938, the children of Des Moines, Iowa, will once again don their costumes and go door-to-door in search of Halloween treats. This long-standing tradition, known as trick-or-treating, has been a staple of the holiday across the United States, but not in Iowa's capital city – until now.

Reviving a Beloved Ritual: Des Moines Embraces the Halloween Spirit

A Shift in Tradition: From Beggars' Night to Halloween

Des Moines has long held a unique approach to the Halloween festivities, opting for a tradition known as Beggars' Night. This event, typically celebrated the day before Halloween, required children to not only say "Trick-or-Treat" but also tell a joke before receiving their candy. However, this year, the city has decided to align its celebrations with the rest of the country, moving the festivities to the traditional Halloween date.The decision to make this change was not taken lightly, as Beggars' Night had been a fixture in Des Moines for over seven decades. "To my knowledge, it has never been moved or canceled since it was established after Halloween in 1938," explained Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte. But the safety of the community took precedence, as heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected on the originally scheduled Beggars' Night.

A Tradition Born from Vandalism Concerns

The origins of Beggars' Night can be traced back to the city's desire to curb vandalism and promote more wholesome fun for children. The idea was first suggested by a former city parks director, who believed that by encouraging children to entertain with songs, poetry, or jokes, they would be less likely to engage in mischievous behavior.Over time, the joke-telling aspect became the most common offering, with children eagerly awaiting their chance to showcase their comedic skills in exchange for a sweet treat. This unique tradition has been embraced by many of Des Moines' suburbs, which have also chosen to shift their celebrations to the traditional Halloween date this year.

Embracing the Change: A Costume Shop Owner's Perspective

Debbie Westphal Swander, the owner of a costume shop in West Des Moines, expressed her understanding of the change. "I didn't realize we were that much of an anomaly because for us, this is normal," she said. "We're going to be in sync at least for this year with the way the event is celebrated everywhere else."Swander emphasized that the focus should remain on the children, stating, "The big picture for me is, it's absolutely about the kids. That's the most important thing." This sentiment echoes the sentiment that has driven the city's decision to align its Halloween celebrations with the rest of the country.

A Renewed Sense of Community

The return of traditional trick-or-treating in Des Moines is not just about the candy and costumes; it's about the sense of community and shared experience that the holiday brings. By embracing the change and joining the rest of the nation in its Halloween festivities, the city is fostering a renewed connection with its residents and creating lasting memories for generations to come.As the children of Des Moines eagerly await the opportunity to don their costumes and venture out in search of treats, the city is poised to reclaim a beloved tradition that has been absent for far too long. This shift in the Halloween landscape is sure to bring a renewed sense of excitement and joy to the community, as they celebrate the return of a cherished ritual.