Thousands flock to Belgium’s Pumpkimania festival featuring giant pumpkin sculptures
The annual Pumpkimania festival at Belgium's Groot-Bijgaarden Castle features thousands of pumpkins, giant sculptures, a 772-kg pumpkin weigh-off, and family activities, attracting around 50,000 visitors until November 1.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1)
Belgium’s Groot-Bijgaarden Castle near Brussels is hosting its annual Pumpkimania festival, transforming the grounds into a vibrant autumn wonderland filled with thousands of pumpkins.
This year’s theme, “The Magic of the Forest,” showcases towering pumpkin sculptures of foxes, owls, and deer sourced from Belgium, Germany, and Portugal. The highlight is a giant pumpkin weighing 772 kilograms, grown for the traditional weigh-off held on 26 September.
Visitors can enjoy unique activities such as watching giant pumpkins turned into kayaks for rides across the castle lake and participating in pumpkin-carving workshops on weekends. The festival also features a Halloween program with extended opening hours until 7pm from 24 October.
Organisers expect about 50,000 visitors before the festival closes on 1 November, culminating in a giant pumpkin-smashing event. Despite challenges from a hot summer, the displays have filled the estate with colourful pumpkins.
The festival is located in Dilbeek, about 10 kilometres from central Brussels. Admission costs €16 for adults and €9 for children aged 5 to 14, with free entry for younger children.