From trick or treat to ‘Friendsgiving’: American holidays in Enschede

| Kyra Kars

Halloween is growing in popularity in the Netherlands, but Thanksgiving remains largely an American tradition. Two American UT students celebrate the holidays in their own way in Enschede.

Rauchas' (pink hair) Friendsgiving last year

For Civil Engineering student Ingrid Rauchas (22), Halloween mainly brings back childhood memories of growing up in Virginia, US. ‘Until I was eighteen, I would always dress up and go trick-or-treating. The whole neighbourhood would be transformed into a haunted trail.’ When she moved to the Netherlands three years ago, she quickly noticed that enthusiasm for the spooky holiday was different. ‘There are plenty of parties, but it is less of a local tradition.’ This year, she is heading to a club with friends instead. ‘Just a costume party, nothing too special.’

'The whole neighbourhood would be transformed into a haunted trail'

Pre-master’s student in Educational Science and Technology Katherine Hubbard (31) is celebrating Halloween and Thanksgiving in the Netherlands for the first time this year. She has also noticed that the festivities are less elaborate than in the United States. ‘Especially where I grew up, in the suburbs, it was quite normal to close off the entire street so everyone could go trick-or-treating. Once you got a bit older, you would go out with friends instead. It is the same here.’ Hubbard is also opting for a night out with friends this year.

‘It’s more about spending time together and the atmosphere’

Rauchas is particularly looking forward to Thanksgiving, which she enjoys even more than Halloween. For her, the holiday is less about its underlying meaning and more about spending time together. ‘It’s more about spending time together and the atmosphere. I do miss American Thanksgiving. Family members would travel from far away just to enjoy a meal together.’

In Enschede, she is keeping the tradition alive. ‘My friends and I organise Friendsgiving. We make some nice food and all get together. The UT has a large international community, so I didn't find it too difficult to meet people.’

Hubbard is also celebrating Thanksgiving with friends she met through the UT. That makes missing home a little easier. ‘Of course, I miss home too. I do plan to give my family a call, but I’m also very happy with the people I have here.’ According to Hubbard, the familiar Thanksgiving atmosphere is still there. ‘We’ll have a nice meal, and everyone brings their own dish. It’s mainly a day to be grateful.’

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