Halloween weekend is getting closer and closer! For the New York Botanical Garden, that means it’s giant pumpkin season–a special treat for visitors. This year, there are three giant pumpkins on display and they all break last year’s North American record of 2,058 pounds. This year’s record-breaking pumpkin weighs in at 2,230.5 pounds, while the runners-up weigh in at 2,185 pounds and 2,145 pounds.
How do giant pumpkins grow to such incredible sizes? Well, they’re actually a separate species from the pumpkins we are familiar with; growers make genetic crosses of hybrids to get the maximize size possible. These pumpkins require special care, which is why growing them is such a competitive hobby. They require about 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week, and can grow up to 45 pounds per day.
Last weekend, master carver Ray Villafane and his team from Villafane Studios transformed these beastly gourds into a Día de los Muertos tableau, in conjunction with the “Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden Life” exhibit currently on display. Villafane is a world-famous carver and has been featured on shows like “Martha” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” These displays take hours of hard work from the team. First, the pumpkin rinds are peeled and shaped. Then they are expertly carved with extremely fine details.
To get a sense of the craftsmanship displayed by Villafane and his team, you really need to see the pumpkins in person! They will be on display through November 1st as part of the Garden’s Día de los Muertos weekend, its farewell to the Frida exhibit.
The exhibit will go out with a bang: Día de los Muertos will be celebrated with a parade of skeletons and butterflies, as well as other performances. There will also be a special altar honoring Kahlo on display in the Conservatory. Visitors can make their own masks at a mask making workshop, or have their faces painted. At Frida’s Fall Harvest celebration will boast harvest-themed activities and displays with pumpkins and gourds of all sizes, shapes, and colors.
To learn more about the “Día de los Muertos Weekend and other upcoming events, visit NYBG.org!
