Just outside Brussels, the moated Groot-Bijgaarden Castle has once again been taken over by an orange tide. The annual pumpkin festival, which runs through early November, is drawing families, foodies, and curious travellers from across Belgium and beyond, with organisers expecting roughly 50,000 visitors this year.
The display is anything but uniform. Pumpkins of every conceivable shape, size, and hue — from warty gourds to deep-green striped squashes — are arranged in elaborate scenes around the castle grounds. Many are grown locally in Belgium, but others travel from as far afield as Portugal and Germany, reflecting the continent's shared autumn harvest.
One of the festival's undoubted stars is a colossal pumpkin weighing in at 772 kilograms. It sits near the castle's 17th-century walls, drawing a steady stream of smartphone photographers. For those who prefer a more hands-on experience, carving workshops let visitors try their hand at creating their own jack-o'-lanterns ahead of Halloween. Some of the largest specimens have been hollowed out and turned into makeshift kayaks, which are paddled across the castle's moat — a sight that has become a social media favourite.
A challenging harvest, a resilient tradition
This year's festival comes after a difficult growing season. A hot, dry summer across much of western Europe stressed crops, and growers report lower yields than usual. Yet the event's organisers say the spirit of the festival remains undimmed. "We had to source more pumpkins from further afield, but the response from visitors has been fantastic," said one organiser. "People are ready to celebrate autumn, whatever the weather."
The festival is more than a rural curiosity; it is part of a broader pattern of seasonal events that draw tourists to Belgium's historic sites. Groot-Bijgaarden, a short drive from the capital, has become a key stop on the autumn calendar, much as other European destinations have leveraged their natural or cultural assets to attract visitors.
For many attendees, the appeal is simple. "It's a chance to get out of the city and enjoy the colours of the season," said Marie, a visitor from Antwerp, who came with her two children. "The kids love the carving, and I love the market stalls."
The festival also highlights the versatility of the pumpkin, which is used in soups, pies, and even beer. Local chefs are on hand to offer tastings, and a small farmers' market sells seasonal produce, from butternut squash to decorative gourds.
As the days shorten and temperatures drop, the pumpkin festival offers a warm, colourful counterpoint. It is a reminder that even in a year of climate challenges, Europe's agricultural traditions endure — and that a simple vegetable can still bring thousands of people together.
For those planning a visit, the festival runs until 3 November at Groot-Bijgaarden Castle, with tickets available at the gate. The organisers recommend arriving early on weekends to avoid the largest crowds.
