For the first time since 1938, Des Moines, Iowa, has shifted its traditional trick-or-treat night back to Halloween, October 31.
Breaking away from a decades-long tradition, Des Moines officials have adjusted the city’s trick-or-treating schedule due to anticipated bad weather, as reported by Mental Floss.
This practice began in 1938 when city leaders moved the celebration to October 30 in response to over 500 incidents of vandalism and disturbances caused by unruly youth activities on Halloween. The city aimed to curb these destructive behaviors by avoiding Halloween night.
By celebrating the day before Halloween, the city sought to minimize potential vandalism while maintaining the festive spirit. Over the decades, this approach reportedly helped keep vandalism and delinquency rates lower in Des Moines compared to other cities that faced heightened disturbances on October 31.
According to Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte, "To my knowledge, it has never been moved or canceled since it was established after Halloween in 1938."
However, this year, the tradition has taken an unexpected turn. Due to a forecast of severe weather, including thunderstorms and possible hail on October 30, city officials decided to prioritize safety by moving the date to the actual holiday.
"However, the safety of our residents, families, and children is always our top priority and led to the change in this year’s scheduled Beggars’ Night," explained Jen Schulte. The decision reflects a growing concern for both safety and the quality of the celebration experience.
The forecast made it clear that proceeding with the event on its traditional date posed risks that the city was unwilling to accept, which led to the rare modification of a long-standing local custom.
The absence of October 30 celebrations in Des Moines this year stands out nationally. Cities like Philadelphia, New Jersey, Detroit, and Cincinnati continue to report increased instances of property damage and vandalism linked to Halloween activities, highlighting the varying challenges and responses to Halloween's mischiefs.
In contrast, some jurisdictions impose age-related restrictions to counteract Halloween-related problems. For example, certain towns in Virginia enforce laws against mask-wearing and candy solicitation by children over the age of 12. These rules aim to curb intimidation and misconduct that can mar the festive atmosphere.
In Des Moines, officials have largely focused on fostering an environment where children engage in creative performances like jokes, songs, or poetry rather than pranks, steering clear of the troublesome elements associated with trick-or-treating.
The change in tradition also brings attention to a broader discourse on the rights related to Halloween festivities. Attorney Daniel Ortner weighs in on the issue, stating, "The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the right of individuals to engage in door-to-door solicitation for a variety of causes, including expressive activity and charitable fundraising."
Ortner elaborates on the dimensions of these rights, particularly how they intersect with seasonal activities. "Trick-or-treating is consistent with this tradition of expressive door-to-door activity. A trick-or-treater’s costume can be a form of speech protected against government censorship. Costumes are a way for people to express their likes and dislikes, and even to comment on politics and social issues," he noted.
This perspective underscores the expressive freedom that undergirds Halloween traditions, suggesting that these activities resonate deeper than mere entertainment.
As Des Moines residents prepare for trick-or-treating on the actual day of Halloween this year, there is a sense of historical momentousness about the shift. The city is stepping into a new phase of its Halloween traditions, where weather and safety considerations take center stage.
While this year's change is driven by exceptional circumstances, the outcome of this Halloween might influence future decisions about the scheduling of Beggars’ Night in Des Moines. Whether this adjustment will revert to the norm or establish a new one is yet to be seen. But for now, the city looks forward to a spirited and safe celebration on the spookiest night of the year.
With an eye on safety and inclusivity, Des Moines continues to adapt its approach to Halloween, ensuring the annual celebration is enjoyable and secure for everyone involved.
