At the time that we moved down here my favorite holiday had always been Halloween. I doesn't belong to anyone, not Hallmark, not God, not nobody, and people can overhaul their outside, and perhaps show a bit of their inside. Sure, there are always the french maids, plastic political masks, and other costumes too easily donned, but between The Old Couple, The Chain Saw Man, and assorted other denizens Jane and I have always enjoyed the opportunity, and have always made up our house to welcome, perhaps scare, and always reward with potential cavities our short term guests. #1 rule has always been that as long as you're not on your adult teeth, trash 'em on Halloween.
When we moved to La Paz, Halloween was not yet very popular. We always managed to get a party together, but the trick or treaters were very limited, a few kids from around the neighborhood who were attracted by the funny noises, weird lights, and yes, the large man with the chain saw. Our kids were in Catholic elementary school at the time, and they would come home with printed sheets, delivered to them at school, that would try to demonize the celebration of Halloween, insinuating that it was based on devil worship, was anti God, and generally a pagan celebration that took away from the traditional Day of the Dead. Well, this year I would like to declare that competition officially over, and the Pope ain't happy. Over the years kids got more and more into it, and every year for the month of October or so the grocery stores would start to have more candy, and even a few costumes. Every year more kids would come to our door for candy. That has grown beyond any predictable bounds. Now that old time long break between Sept. 16 and December 25 (remember we don't do much for Thanksgiving here) is being filled with Halloween. The grocery store that I shop at has several inflatable Halloween decorations to put in, and consume, your front yard, with sound, and electricity. $400, shrieking all the time, making shopping a real pleasure.
The last couple of years Jane would buy250-300 pieces of candy, and about 9 or so she would run out and go get a little more. This year I decided that that wasn't gonna happen and bought 500-600 pieces of candy at the City Club store. Well, they were lined up 25 deep at the door from 5:30 on and by 7:15 we were out. Jane went and bought 3 huge bags more, and by 8:30 that was gone. The beat us, we had to take down lights and shut the doors while the streets were still awash with goblins. Hundreds of cars, mostly mini vans, were parked along the street burpin' out kids like a dorado that has had too many sardines. Jane said that the paper had had a list of the best t or tin' places in town and that our neighborhood was on it. I bet. It's fun to beat the Catholic church, even if you have to be on the side of dentists to do it.
David
