How do you celebrate Halloween?
Each year, we celebrate Halloween In The Hague’s Archipel neighbourhood by going trick-or-treating.
Children (and their parents) roam the neighbourhood streets to collect as much candy as possible.
This year, we’ll do so on Friday, October 31st, the original date of Halloween.
Neighbours who wish to take part, dress up and decorate their houses. Trick-or-treaters knock on their doors between 6.00 and 8.30 p.m.
Who can join in?
Trick-or-treating is meant for all (primary school) children who would like to take part.
We deliberately start early, so that even the youngest children can join for an hour or so.
Everyone is welcome to celebrate Halloween in the Archipel neighbourhood. In principle, however, it’s a celebration for and by residents of the Archipel neighbourhood.
Can I just go trick-or-treating, without opening my house?
Preferably not. The idea of trick-or-treating is both collecting and handing out candy.
And, since more and more people are joining our Halloween celebration, we really need enough houses to keep the event fun for everyone.
So, are you trick-or-treating and living in the Archipel neighbourhood, please make sure children can also knock on your door.
Take turns. Let a grandparent, aunt, or babysitter answer the door. Or simply put out a bowl of candy in front of your house.
How much candy should I buy?
Quite a lot. In previous years, a couple of hundred trick-or-treaters walked the neighbourhood.
Candy can run out quickly. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Tip: prepare an out-of-candy sign before Halloween. And stick it on your door, when you’ve run out of candy.
How do we keep it safe?
If you go trick-or-treating (with your children), you are responsible for your (and your children’s) safety. Please stay alert. Especially when crossing the street.
Keep the neighbourhood clean. Please don’t throw candy wrappers or packaging on the street.
If you turn your house into a haunted house and trick-or-treaters come inside, you are responsible for their safety. Always make sure that anyone entering, can also leave quickly in case of an emergency.
Finally, open fire (such as fire pits) is strictly forbidden. Many childer wear synthetic Halloween costumes while trick-or-treating, which can pose a fire hazard.
Why do I need to sign up?
Trick-or-treaters are asked to sign up, so we have an idea of how many children will be walking around – and how much candy everyone should buy.
Neighbours who open their houses, are also asked to sign up, so we can let trick-or-treaters know where they are welcome to knock on the door.
How do I get a window sign?
A window sign shows trick-or-treaters that they are welcome to knock on your door.
Of course, you can also go all out decorating your house – which makes it obvious you’re participating 🙂
Would you like a window sign? You can pick one up in the week before Halloween at Van Eijk Real Estate.
You’re welcome at Bankstraat 107 A, on weekdays between 9.00 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.
Where does Halloween originate from?
On the evening before November 1st, Catholics celebrate ‘All Hallow’s Eve’. They honour all Saints who do not have their own celebration day.
Conveniently the Catholic Church chose the same date as the Roman’s had their harvest festival in those days.
And around the same time, the Celts used to celebrate the transition from Summer to Autumn on the British Islands.
Everything about the origin of Halloween can be seen in this video.