Jacky organizes Halloween for 1200 children: "Never expected it to become this popular"

Jacky, an American resident living in the Rivierenbuurt neighborhood of Amsterdam, has successfully transformed her desire to share her childhood traditions with her children into a massive local event. For the past six years, she has organized a trick-or-treat celebration that has grown from a small neighborhood gathering into a major festivities involving over 1200 children. To ensure the event runs smoothly, participants must register their homes, allowing families to easily identify which houses are handing out candy.

While some critics argue that the increasing popularity of Halloween might overshadow the traditional Dutch celebration of Saint Martin, Jacky believes the two events serve different purposes and can coexist. She describes Halloween as focusing on spooky themes, whereas Saint Martin is characterized by a softer, more traditional atmosphere. Ultimately, she emphasizes that children enjoy both opportunities to collect sweets, highlighting the community-building aspect of her efforts in Amsterdam.