With English being studied in elementary school, kids usually know about Halloween: there are many fun activities that can be done on the Halloween theme, and candies are efficient motivation for any kid in the world! Unfortunately, Halloween day is usually during mid-season school break ("les vacances de la Toussaint"), so schools don't usually organize a trick-or-treating outing. Although some neighborhoods are more responsive than others, trick-or-treating is not yet part of the French tradition, and people have mix reactions about being "disturbed' at night-fall for candies by kids in costumes.
In the small village my parents live, the school teacher is serious about teaching English, and loves the opportunity Halloween provides to motivate kids. All the kids meet up at the school and then go trick-or treating, and guess what, my parent's houe is right in front of the school. It's the one house all the kids are sure to hit!!! My Mom (75 years old) hates it. My Dad (80 years young) loves it :-)
It's too bad though, because on November 1st is the Catholic Holiday of "la Toussaint" (All Saints Day - A national holiday), when French people traditionally visit cemeteries, freshen up the tombs displays, and pray their deads and favourite Saints. Same ideas that are at the very heart of Halloween. I feel Halloween could be a great way to get younger people carry on ancient French traditions that are getting forgotten, while also integrating a fun American celebration.
