Halloween revellers reclaim the streets

By Sophia Gore Browne

For the Bottom Line (UCSB)

This Halloween, part of State Street was blocked off in an organized event to ‘Reclaim the Streets’ and basically have a good time doing it. People dressed up, played music, drew pictures and messages on the road in chalk and ultimately demonstrated their freedom of self-expression in a public space. It was like any other Halloween Party spent with friends, dancing and meeting new people in strange costumes, except that it was held on the main street of Santa Barbara. Evidently, there was more behind this united gathering than simply bawling up and down Del Playa as a Spartan.

The idea to ‘Reclaim the Streets’ came from a movement that began in England based on a shared ideal that public spaces belong to the people. It believes in the power of collective action to demonstrate resistance against the forces of capitalist driven globalization and corporate privatization through occupying a public space. It is a symbolic act of human autonomy and our right to exercise that freedom. Similar to the principles behind a critical mass demonstration, Reclaim the Streets also resists cars as the dominant mode of transport.

On this particular occasion, there was a parade from De la Guerra Park onto State Street at dusk with people chanting ‘Whose streets? Our streets!” and banners attached to shopping trolleys full of sweetbread for everyone. There were piñatas rigged up across the street for the children and a band rocking out some tunes for everyone involved as passers by stopped to watch or join in.

The imposing police presence was in full riot gear threatening people with fines, which only stirred up rebuke amongst people who simply wanted to enjoy themselves in peace. The festivities continued for a few hours before the police gradually closed it down and moved people on.

“I am here for the festival, not to antagonize anyone," said one participator. "We're here simply to enjoy our right to party in the street.”