Denmark’s ‘largest’ pumpkin festival draws record crowds

Denmark’s self-described largest pumpkin festival has attracted more visitors this year than ever before, organizer Mette Kimer told DR.

The free event is held at the harbor square in Skælskør and is in its sixth year. Kimer estimates that about 8,000 people have visited over the course of a week, though the festival does not keep an exact count.

Visitors can take part in activities including pumpkin bowling, pumpkin can tossing, a puzzle room and a pumpkin laboratory. The Vinholdt Andersen family from Boeslunde has attended on several days. Their activities have included drawing on pumpkins and playing games.

Despite the pumpkin-themed activities, the festival is designed as a harvest celebration rather than a Halloween event, Kimer said. It offers opportunities to play, eat pumpkin and make “volcanoes” in pumpkins.