Prague's Botanical Garden kicks off Halloween season with pumpkin exhibit

Prague's Botanical Garden is aglow with vibrant pumpkin decorations as it ushers in the much-awaited Halloween season. From October 13 to October 31, visitors can immerse themselves in a captivating exhibition featuring imaginative pumpkin arrangements created by students from the Czech Academy of Horticulture in Mělník.

This year's theme draws inspiration from the diverse cultures of Asia, showcasing intricately carved pumpkin depictions of dragons, geishas, rickshaws, Himalayan peaks, and lanterns.

"The pumpkin exhibition is traditionally the highlight of our autumn program," says Botanical Garden Director Bohumil Černý through a press release.

"Visitors can once again look forward to a colorful display of nature and fun weekends full of pumpkins, pumpkin-making, as well as the popular Halloween lantern parade and roasting of dumplings. This year's season in the botanical garden is inspired by Asia, Asian flora, nature and culture, and this time the pumpkin exhibition will take us to Asia."

Notably, the exhibition features over 5,000 kilograms of pumpkins, including a massive 150 kilogram pumpkin generously donated by Jan Staněk from Horní Bludovice. Visitors can anticipate a traditional weekend program through the end of the month filled with creative workshops, pumpkin carving, and other engaging activities.

Additionally, the festivities will culminate on October 31 with a Halloween celebration, complete with activities for children including paper lantern-making, gingerbread decorating, pumpkin carving, and a lantern parade through the enchanting garden.

The Botanical Garden has designed a rich accompanying program, with weekend autumn workshops offering young visitors the opportunity to craft paper pumpkins, autumn leaf collages, and carve and decorate pumpkins of their own. The workshops encourage creativity and innovation, fostering an interactive and educational environment for all participants.

As part of the Halloween celebrations on Tuesday, October 31, visitors are encouraged to don costumes and masks. The day's festivities include a lantern procession through the garden after dark, which promises a magical and memorable experience for children and adults alike.

The Botanical Garden's pumpkin exhibition has evolved into one of the venue's most popular annual traditions, offering a delightful celebration of nature, artistry, and cultural appreciation.

Whether you're looking to explore the rich world of Asian-themed pumpkin art, participate in creative workshops, or enjoy the Halloween festivities, this exhibition has something for everyone to savor during the autumn season.