Out of curiosity and to compare with how it's done in Australia, last night I went with my cousins-in-law and their children to witness Halloween and particularly trick-or-treating in SW London.
England has been averse to the US-originating practice of trick-or-treating for much the same reasons as Australia. But certain areas of London have taken to it in recent years, and to see it happen you can’t help but feel the joy!
London often and frustratingly is a child-unfriendly city, so Halloween is a rare opportunity when children and families can reclaim the streets for one evening.
As seen from the throng of costumed children and parents, and hearing the parents speak in a variety of languages and accents (being a middle-class area, the children were speaking Standard Southern British English), trick-or-treating in London appears to be a multicultural-led initiative doing much to forge a much-needed community spirit, an aspect many in London claim is severely lacking these days. Young families here have spontaneously created their own common child- and family-focused tradition in London, and I think it’s beautiful.
Plus, trick-or-treating is a much safer option overall, especially for children and pets, than Bonfire Night.
And an event that brings out ingenuity and initiative is to be commended. Some people took advantage of having many people walk past to showcase their talents and get some valuable exposure. Examples include one house with a very professional video display showing skeletons dancing the entire choreography to Thriller, or the teenager who took out his decks and played dance favourites to the appreciative crowd – very likely someone will now book him to DJ for their upcoming social event.
Mind you, it's still a very localised affair. My cousin-in-law did say trick-or-treating works well in their old neighbourhood (where we were) as many of the residents are middle class and not originally from London. Where they live now, which is upper-middle class, it was much quieter as most of the residents are English and, seeing it was a weekend and half-term, away at their weekend properties or holidaying. Another friend of mine in a less-advantaged area of London told me he was at the ready with sweets to hand out but ultimately had no one knock on his door to say 'trick or treat'.
Not convinced? Then I challenge you next year to check it out for yourself.
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