KASTERLEE, BELGIUM — Every autumn, the small Flemish town of Kasterlee transforms into a hub of laughter, creativity, and competition. The annual Pumpkin Regatta, held in the province of Antwerp, is unlike any other event in Europe — a kayaking race where contestants paddle across a pond in giant hollowed-out pumpkins.
What began decades ago as a playful idea among local farmers has grown into a beloved community tradition and international attraction. Participants spend months preparing their pumpkins, nurturing them from seed to massive, buoyant boats capable of carrying a person across the water.
The secret to their success lies in careful cultivation. “Every year we begin with little pumpkins, and each year we harvest the seeds from the larger ones,” explains one of the organizers. “By combining the seeds of the biggest and strongest pumpkins, we create even larger ones for the next regatta.”
The results are astonishing — some pumpkins can reach sizes exceeding 400 kilograms. Once hollowed out, these orange giants are turned into makeshift kayaks, decorated with vibrant designs, flags, and even costumes, adding a festive flair to the race.
The regatta takes place at Kasterlee’s village pond, drawing hundreds of spectators from across Belgium and neighboring countries. Locals cheer from the banks as participants — some serious, others in full comic costume — struggle to balance, paddle, and steer their unpredictable pumpkin vessels.
While the event is filled with laughter, it also highlights the town’s agricultural roots. Kasterlee has long been known for its fertile soil and pumpkin farming, and the regatta celebrates both the harvest season and the creativity of its residents.
The festival includes local food stalls, music, and exhibitions on pumpkin cultivation, making it a family-friendly attraction for all ages.
Tourism officials note that the Pumpkin Regatta has become a key autumn highlight for Antwerp Province. “It’s an event that captures Belgium’s quirky charm,” says a local tourism representative. “It’s about community, sustainability, and celebrating what makes rural life so special.”
In recent years, the regatta has also gained attention online, with social media videos showcasing contestants wobbling in giant pumpkins drawing millions of views. The combination of humor, craftsmanship, and tradition continues to fascinate both visitors and locals alike.
As the sun sets over Kasterlee, the laughter and cheers echo across the water. The Pumpkin Regatta is more than a competition — it’s a symbol of creativity, cooperation, and the joy of keeping traditions alive in a rapidly changing world.
From seed to spectacle, Kasterlee’s floating pumpkins remind everyone that even the most ordinary things — like a humble gourd — can be transformed into something truly extraordinary.
