Des Moines, Iowa, to Hold Trick-or-Treating on Halloween for the First Time Since 1938

In a significant change to a long-standing tradition, children in Des Moines, Iowa, will be trick-or-treating on Halloween for the first time since 1938. Historically, Des Moines has observed “Beggars’ Night” on the evening of October 30th, a day before Halloween. However, this year marks a shift to align with the more widely celebrated Halloween date.

The decision to move Beggars’ Night to Halloween has been met with mixed reactions from the community. Some residents welcome the change, seeing it as an opportunity to align with national traditions and enhance the festive atmosphere. Others are concerned about the potential disruption to established customs and the impact on neighborhood dynamics.

Beggars’ Night has been a unique aspect of Des Moines’ culture, with children going door-to-door on October 30th to collect candy and other treats. The tradition was initially started as a way to reduce vandalism and mischief associated with Halloween. The change to Halloween trick-or-treating is part of a broader trend in the Des Moines metro area, with cities like Pleasant Hill, Altoona, Ankeny, and Waukee also adjusting their schedules.

The controversy surrounding the change highlights the strong attachment many residents have to the traditional Beggars’ Night. While some see the move as a positive step towards greater community cohesion and alignment with national practices, others lament the loss of a distinctive local tradition.