I understand Christmas, and I understand Easter. But Halloween is one of those things where, if you don't grow with it? The French, they tried Halloween for a few years, and I think they're dropping it.

Jacques Torres’ quote reflects his perspective on how cultural traditions are understood and embraced, particularly around holidays like Christmas and Easter. He mentions that these holidays have a universal and deeply rooted significance, especially in many Western cultures. For Torres, these holidays represent established rituals that are understood across generations, offering a sense of continuity and connection.

However, Torres contrasts this with Halloween, a holiday that, according to him, is not as easily adopted in certain cultures. He implies that Halloween is a tradition that requires a certain level of cultural integration to be fully appreciated. For those who didn’t grow up with the holiday, the practices surrounding it might seem foreign or disconnected from their own traditions, which can hinder its widespread acceptance.

Torres also references the French experience with Halloween, noting that although they tried to incorporate the holiday, they didn’t embrace it as deeply as other nations might have. His comment about the French dropping Halloween suggests that some cultures may not find the holiday as meaningful or aligned with their own traditions, which can lead to a lack of enthusiasm for it.

Ultimately, the quote highlights the idea that cultural traditions and holidays are not universal, and their significance can vary depending on background and upbringing. Torres suggests that for some, understanding or enjoying a holiday like Halloween may require a deeper cultural familiarity or connection that others may not have.