BRUSSELS – As Halloween approaches, festive events are springing up worldwide, including Belgium’s unique Giant Pumpkin Boat Race, Oct 28.
Held in Kasterlee, northern Belgium, this year’s race saw over 300 participants paddling across a lake in hollowed-out pumpkins, with more than 5,000 enthusiastic spectators cheering them on. Maneuvering a giant pumpkin boat isn’t as easy as it may seem; competitors need both skill and strong arm muscles to navigate the hefty gourds.
The quirky tradition began in 2008, initiated by a group of pumpkin farmers looking for a creative way to repurpose their oversized pumpkins beyond culinary uses. After the race, the pumpkins are turned into compost, while their seeds are preserved for future planting. (TNA)
