Children in Des Moines, Iowa, are set to experience a change in tradition this Halloween season. For the first time since 1938, the city will be shifting from its long-standing Beggars' Night to allow trick-or-treating on Halloween itself.
Des Moines had previously opted for Beggars' Night as a way to deter hooliganism and promote a more wholesome approach to the Halloween festivities. During Beggars' Night, children were required to tell a joke in addition to the customary 'Trick-or-Treat' before receiving their treats.
This year, due to anticipated heavy rain and thunderstorms, the city officials decided to postpone Beggars' Night from Wednesday to Thursday, aligning it with the rest of the country's Halloween celebrations.
Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte emphasized that while the tradition had never been altered since its inception in 1938, the safety of residents, families, and children was the primary concern that led to the rescheduling of Beggars' Night.
The concept of Beggars' Night was introduced by a former city parks director to discourage vandalism and encourage more positive interactions among children. Initially, children were encouraged to sing, recite poetry, or provide other forms of entertainment, but over time, telling a joke became the norm.
Beggars' Night typically runs for limited hours, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., ensuring a structured and safe environment for the young participants.
Many suburbs surrounding Des Moines had also adopted the Beggars' Night tradition but decided to align with the city this year by moving the celebration to Halloween.
Debbie Westphal Swander, a local costume shop owner, expressed her support for the focus on children during the festivities, highlighting that the essence of the event lies in creating a memorable experience for the kids.
