NEW YORK – Hundreds of pumpkins have invaded the park of the popular Governors Island in New York in the return of the festival in which young and old give free rein to their imagination by painting in multiple colors, with hearts, this great protagonist of the autumn season, cats or smiles, among many other designs, an event deeply rooted in American culture.
The green areas and sidewalks of the park were filled this Saturday with pumpkins of various sizes, among which the thousands of people who enjoyed a warm autumn day were able to choose those of their choice, with a small contribution for the conservation of the island, to be painted or to take home.
The kids, who had the most fun, ran from place to place among pumpkins, trees, and fallen leaves as autumn arrived – a time when pumpkins are everywhere, from decorating homes and activities, to preparing food. dishes, sweets or drinks such as coffee, which various food chains offer their customers.
The pumpkin is also a key element in the celebration of Halloween or the day of the witches in which the best is chosen to carve, after having hollowed it out, and transform it into a popular and terrifying Jack-O’-Lantern (Jack’s Lantern) a character came to this country from an Irish legend. He recounts that a thief managed to deceive the devil and when he died, after being pushed back to heaven and hell, he wanders the world with a lamp in search of a place to rest.
Several children attended this Saturday with their costumes, waiting for Halloween, among them dressed as Blue dogs, pumpkins, sleeping beauty, as Disney princesses or some superhero.
Five thousand pumpkins were brought from Pennsylvania to Nolan Park on Governors Island (south of Manhattan), which this Saturday also offered to the public – who lined up for the ferry to this place – music, theater and games. for children.
“It’s a nice, calm and peaceful environment, very close to the city and not many people know about it. Last year we came just to walk around the island,” Elena, who lives in Manhattan and attended the event, told EFE. festival. sixth edition, accompanied for the first time by his three-year-old son Noah, who enjoyed taking a bath in leaves.
This is the first pumpkin festival since the pandemic and has attracted thousands of people of all ages and ethnic groups, including the Hernandez family, consisting of Britney, her husband José and their 5-year-old son Julien. “We often come to the island, even in summer it is very beautiful”, commented Britney while her son enjoyed painting a pumpkin of many colors.
“Fall is the perfect time to come and explore Governors Island – from beautiful fall foliage to a free pumpkin patch and exciting programming, there’s something for everyone,” said Clare Newman, organizing committee of the event.
The remaining pumpkins will be donated to local organizations fighting hunger or composted for the island.
This pumpkin festival will last until next weekend, after which the island will close to the public for the winter season.
