For the first time in over 85 years, Des Moines, Iowa, will be celebrating trick-or-treating on Halloween night. The city’s long-standing tradition of Beggars’ Night, held on the day before Halloween, is being set aside due to severe weather forecasts.
Beggars’ Night, a unique custom dating back to the 1930s, was originally implemented to curb vandalism and promote a more orderly Halloween celebration.
Children would go door-to-door, reciting poems or jokes in exchange for candy.
However, this year’s inclement weather has forced the city to prioritize safety, leading to the decision to move the festivities to Halloween night.
While this marks a significant departure from tradition, it ensures that children can still enjoy the excitement of trick-or-treating without risking exposure to dangerous weather conditions.
As the city looks towards the future, there’s a growing discussion about potentially changing the official date of Beggars’ Night to a weekend day. This would allow for a more convenient and enjoyable celebration for families.
For now, though, Des Moines residents are embracing the change and preparing for a spooktacular Halloween night. As one young trick-or-treater put it, “It makes a difference, but you still get candy!”
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Des Moines trick-or-treating
Ever heard of Beggars’ Night? If you’re not from Iowa, chances are you haven’t. It’s a unique tradition that’s been going on for decades, and it’s all thanks to a bit of old-fashioned mischief and a desire for wholesome fun.
Back in the day, Halloween in Des Moines was getting a little too rowdy. There was too much trickery and not enough treating. Concerned city leaders wanted to find a way to keep the fun alive while discouraging the chaos.
Their solution? Beggars’ Night.
On the night before Halloween, kids don their costumes and head out into the neighborhood. But instead of just shouting “Trick-or-Treating”, they have to earn their candy. To get a sweet reward, they have to tell a joke, recite a poem, or sing a song. Over time, jokes have become the most popular choice.
So, next time you’re in Iowa on October 30th, keep an ear out for some kiddie comedy. You might just learn a new joke or two
Many Reaction to Des Moines Finally Celebrating Trick-or-treating Halloween
Jason Brees
