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Candy or potatoes? NPR readers share their quirky Halloween traditions

Candy or potatoes? NPR readers share their quirky Halloween traditions

When trick-or-treating is a potato sack affair

In the small town of Harmony, Maine, Halloween is a night for trick-or-treating—with a twist. Instead of candy, the people of Harmony hand out potatoes. The tradition dates back to the 19th century, when the town was a major potato-growing center. Farmers would give away their surplus potatoes to trick-or-treaters, and the tradition has continued ever since.

Today, the Harmony Historical Society organizes the annual Potato Drop, where volunteers hand out thousands of potatoes to trick-or-treaters. The event is a popular draw for both locals and tourists, and it's a reminder of the town's unique history.

Candy corn costumes for witches and ghosts

In the town of Mineral Wells, Texas, Halloween is a time for candy corn costumes. The tradition started in the 1950s, when a local candy store owner decided to give away free candy corn to trick-or-treaters. The candy corn was a hit, and soon people were making their own candy corn costumes.

Today, the Candy Corn Festival is a major event in Mineral Wells. The festival features a candy corn costume contest, a candy corn eating contest, and a parade of candy corn floats. The festival is a fun way to celebrate Halloween and to enjoy the sweet taste of candy corn.

Tricks and treats for the dead

In the town of New Orleans, Louisiana, Halloween is a time to remember the dead. On the night before Halloween, people gather in cemeteries to celebrate Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The festival is a time to honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away.

People decorate graves with flowers, candles, and food. They also share stories about the dead and pray for their souls. Día de los Muertos is a beautiful and moving tradition that helps people to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.