Trick or Treating

Hundreds and hundreds of children and adults in costume and many businesses handing out candy to trick or treaters last night in el centro. I guess it has become a tradition in Mexico despite it being a highly commercialized holiday in the US. Thanks for all of your valuable input.

Lots of local families don't participate because it is NOT a Mexican tradition, much less a local one. It has been imposed on locals, first by foreigners, later by bars and mass marketing. It appears more important to the adults than to the children.

Adults from other places brought Halloween to Zihuatanejo, and when it was pointed out to them that we didn't celebrate it here, they disregarded local custom, some to increase the sales of alcohol at their establishments, others simply because of the arrogance U.S. citizens are so well known for around the world. Last night was no exception.

While children no doubt enjoyed the FREE SUGAR-FILLED CANDY, something Mexico as a nation is trying to change due to high levels of diabetes, obesity and Covid-19 deaths, the adults continued partying long after the children had gone, including loud drunks and motorcyclists who rode around downtown Zihuatanejo until 2:30 or 3:00 in the morning making as much noise as they could, and insulting anyone who asked them to be more quiet.

To those of us who observe Día de los Angelitos on November 1st, remembering deceased children in their family as our family does, last night was extremely rude and disrespectful.

I would hope that you as a relative newcomer would care more about local tradition and sentiment. By imposing foreign customs on locals that are seen as disrespectful, foreigners create animosity and can expect more phony smiles instead of sincere ones when dealing with locals, something that adds up as the years go by. Mexicans are very proud of their customs and traditions, and many Mexicans see Halloween as a disrespectful attack on their culture. Others are just fine with any excuse for a party, and others with any excuse to entertain their children.