NYC DOT Joins Nationwide Call: "Our Culture Is Not Your Costume" for Halloween 2025

New York City's Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) issued a salient reminder ahead of the 2025 Halloween season, stating, "OUR CULTURE IS NOT YOUR COSTUME." The tweet, posted on October 30, aligns with broader national campaigns advocating for cultural sensitivity during holiday celebrations, particularly as the city prepares for its annual "Trick-or-Streets" events. This message underscores a growing awareness regarding the impact of culturally appropriative costumes.

The NYC DOT's statement comes amidst its fourth annual "Trick-or-Streets" program, which transforms Open Streets and pedestrian plazas across all five boroughs into safe, festive spaces for Halloween and harvest-themed events. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez highlighted the program's aim to "bring joy, culture, and greater safety for New Yorkers of all ages and abilities to celebrate the Halloween season." These events, running from October 17 through October 31, are designed to foster community engagement and diverse cultural programming.

The phrase "My Culture Is Not A Costume" has become a prominent slogan in recent years, particularly on college campuses and in social awareness campaigns, to combat cultural appropriation during Halloween. As explained by Teen Vogue, cultural appropriation "is a painful, dehumanizing attack on their culture, their history, their very existence." The movement seeks to educate individuals on the difference between cultural appreciation and the harmful act of reducing sacred or significant cultural elements to mere dress-up.

Experts and advocates emphasize that costumes drawing from marginalized cultures can perpetuate stereotypes and disrespect the historical struggles associated with those identities. For instance, the use of traditional attire or symbols as costumes often ignores their deep cultural significance, turning them into caricatures. This sentiment is echoed in various discussions, urging individuals to consider the origins and impact of their costume choices.

The NYC DOT's public service announcement serves as a local reinforcement of this critical message, encouraging New Yorkers to celebrate Halloween creatively and respectfully. By integrating this call into the festive atmosphere of "Trick-or-Streets," the department aims to promote an inclusive environment where all cultures are honored, rather than trivialized. The initiative reflects a broader societal push for greater understanding and sensitivity during holiday festivities.