Trick-or-treating moves from front doors to local businesses

Halloween is a favorite holiday for many children, but it is not only for them. In Sunset Park, the season also brings an opportunity for small businesses selling costumes, decorations, candy and baked goods.

The holiday has roots in Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Traditions involving costumes, gatherings and offerings evolved over centuries. In the United States, door-to-door trick-or-treating became more widespread in the mid-20th century, while packaged candy gradually became one of the holiday’s defining features.

At Novedades Sonih-Mex, a Mexican clothing and gift shop at 4216 Fifth Ave., owner Sonia Castillo said masks are among the most popular items during the Halloween season. She also pointed out that for many Mexican families, the days immediately after Halloween bring another tradition: Día de Muertos, observed Nov. 1 and 2.

Although it is celebrated differently from Halloween, Día de Muertos is also tied to honoring loved ones who have died and, for many families, to the belief that their souls temporarily return to be with the living. “On this day, sales shift to everything related to ofrendas, such as decorations and altars,” Castillo said.

Costumes remain a major part of Halloween shopping. Ernesto, who works at 99c Golden, a discount store at 5712 Fifth Ave., said Halloween is one of the best days of the year for the business.

“In addition to costumes, people buy lots of supplies, candy and paint, and we sell a bit of everything,” he said. He also noted the importance of having candy and chocolate ready for children who walk through the neighborhood in costume.

At Li-Lac Chocolates, located at 68 35th St. in Industry City, manager Max said the shop was already prepared for the holiday. “Everything is ready for sale,” he said. Max added that the Halloween products were already prepared and displayed on the shop’s tables.

Sweet treats became increasingly central to American Halloween traditions as organized trick-or-treating spread during the middle of the 20th century. Communities also began organizing Halloween activities as a way to steer children away from the pranks and vandalism associated with the holiday in earlier decades.

Colson Patisserie, which has a café and production kitchen at 253 36th St. in Industry City, is also preparing seasonal desserts. Kasie, an employee, said the bakery makes pumpkin pie and cupcakes for Halloween and welcomes trick-or-treaters.

With costumes ready and sweets prepared, Sunset Park businesses are getting ready for the neighborhood to come through their doors. May the scares be brief, the laughter plentiful and the only terror of the night be running out of chocolate.