If you're staying at Camping Houtum in autumn there's one thing you simply can't miss: pumpkins. You'll see them along the roads, in the fields and at local businesses. In October, there's a pumpkin-themed activity almost every weekend, and there's even a pumpkin outside the town hall that never disappears. Not because nobody wants to clear it away, but because Kasterlee is known as Belgium's pumpkin village.
And there's much more to the story than the famous Pumpkin Month. Kasterlee's connection with pumpkins goes back centuries. What once started with pumpkins on the dinner table has grown into a local tradition featuring giant pumpkins weighing more than 1,000 kilograms, championships, a pumpkin statue and, of course, the famous Pumpkin Regatta.
Are you staying with us in autumn? Then it's even more interesting to discover where all this pumpkin enthusiasm actually comes from. In this article, we'll tell you more about Kasterlee's history as a pumpkin village, how giant pumpkins became part of the tradition and how this special custom continues today.
Why Is Kasterlee Known as Belgium's Pumpkin Village?
To understand the beginning of this story, we need to travel back a few centuries. Pumpkins have been part of life in Kasterlee for much longer than the events we know today. Around 1700, potatoes had not yet become a common food here, and pumpkins were widely eaten in Kasterlee. Pumpkin porridge was even a traditional dish at local fairs and remained an everyday meal for many years.
This earned the people of Kasterlee a nickname that is still part of the village's history: pumpkin porridge eaters. There's even an old local saying that shows how Kasterlee stood out from the surrounding villages: "Kasterlee eats pumpkins, while the others eat beans."
Because so many pumpkins were grown and eaten, pumpkin markets were also organised in the past. So the pumpkin wasn't simply chosen one day as a fun symbol of autumn. It had already been part of everyday life in Kasterlee for centuries.
That's the main reason why Kasterlee is known as Belgium's pumpkin village today. The events, giant pumpkins and competitions that developed later all built upon a tradition that had existed here for a very long time.
A Pumpkin Outside the Town Hall
You can see just how proud Kasterlee is of its title as Belgium's pumpkin village right in the centre. Outside the town hall at Markt 1 stands a large stone pumpkin statue. On its base are two words that sum up the whole story of this article: "Kasterlee Pompoendorp" – Kasterlee Pumpkin Village.
The statue dates back to 1996 and serves as a permanent reminder of the special connection between Kasterlee and pumpkins. Real pumpkins have to be sown and grown again every year, but this one stays in place all year round. Even outside pumpkin season, you'll still come across a rather impressive pumpkin in the village centre.
If you're visiting the centre during your stay, why not stop by? You'll also find the tourist information office and several cafés and restaurants nearby, making it easy to include during a visit to the village. And of course, don't forget to take a photo with the pumpkin. Otherwise, nobody back home will believe you've really visited Belgium's pumpkin village!
From Pumpkin Porridge to Giant Pumpkins
Centuries after pumpkin porridge was a regular dish in Kasterlee, the local pumpkin tradition took on a completely new form. Around 1990, growing so-called giant pumpkins started becoming increasingly popular.
There's a lovely local story behind it. According to the history of the Pompoenengenootschap Kasterlee's pumpkin growers' association, a competition for the heaviest pumpkin was organised during the local farmers' market. The first prize was a brand-new wheelbarrow, and Frans Boonen happened to need one.
Frans decided to give it a try and carefully looked after his pumpkin throughout the growing season. Eventually, he and a few friends took it to the competition. When he could barely lift the pumpkin out of his old wheelbarrow, things were already looking promising.
The scales eventually showed 60 kilograms. Frans had grown the heaviest pumpkin and went home with a brand-new wheelbarrow. And what happened to his old one? Even the pumpkin growers' association admits that nobody knows to this day.
According to the association, that competition started a trend. More and more people in Kasterlee began growing large pumpkins, and over the years the results became increasingly impressive.
From 60 Kilograms to More Than 1,000 Kilograms
That winning 60-kilogram pumpkin would face some much heavier competition today. The largest giant pumpkins appearing on the scales nowadays can weigh more than 1,000 kilograms.
Of course, growing something that enormous doesn't happen overnight. Growers spend months caring for their pumpkins, paying close attention to the right seeds, growing conditions and daily care. Knowledge is shared, and every year the challenge begins again: can someone grow an even bigger and heavier pumpkin?
The moment of truth arrives during Belgian Pumpkin Weighing Championship Here, giant pumpkins are officially weighed according to the rules of the international Great Pumpkin Commonwealth. For visitors, seeing one of these giants up close is quite an experience. A pumpkin weighing 1,000 kilograms already looks enormous in a photograph, but it's only when you're standing next to one that you truly appreciate its size.
From a 60-kilogram pumpkin that won a wheelbarrow to specimens weighing more than a tonne, Kasterlee's pumpkins have certainly come a long way.
The Pumpkin Growers' Association and Local Growers
Behind all those giant pumpkins are people who spend months working on them. Kasterlee's Pompoenengenootschap brings pumpkin-growing enthusiasts together and plays an important role in keeping the tradition alive.
Growers exchange seeds, knowledge and experiences, sharing their passion with others. Although we suspect not every little secret is shared with the competition. After all, if you've spent months trying to grow the heaviest pumpkin in Kasterlee, you probably want to keep a small advantage!
Just how popular pumpkin growing is in the area became clear during the 2025 Pumpkin Regatta. The giant pumpkins used as boats came from approximately 50 different growers in Kasterlee.
So behind the activities visitors enjoy in October lies an entire growing season of hard work. While most of us aren't even thinking about Pumpkin Month in spring, the growers are already busy with the pumpkins that will take centre stage in autumn.
October Is Pumpkin Month in Kasterlee
After months of sowing, growing and caring for the pumpkins, everything comes together in October. The harvest is in, the giant pumpkins are ready for the scales, and Kasterlee turns even more orange than usual during its annual Pumpkin Month.
Every Sunday in October brings a different pumpkin-themed activity. Giant pumpkins are placed on the scales during the Belgian Pumpkin Weighing Championship, De Pompoenerie celebrates the harvest, and during the Pumpkin Shooting Championship, pumpkins are launched through the air using enormous catapults.
The Pumpkin Market and, of course, the famous Pumpkin Regatta are also part of the annual tradition.
The highlight at the end of the month is the Pumpkin Regatta, when hollowed-out giant pumpkins are transformed into little boats for a day. Perhaps this is the most unusual example of just how far Kasterlee's love of pumpkins has come over the years.
Would you like to know when these activities take place and what you can expect? We've written a separate article about Pumpkin Month with all the details. Discover all the activities during Pumpkin Month in Kasterlee >>
Taste the Pumpkin Village
After hearing so much about giant pumpkins, it's easy to forget where the story began centuries ago: pumpkins on the dinner table. Even today, you can still get a taste of Kasterlee's pumpkin tradition, although what you'll find is quite different from the pumpkin porridge people used to eat.
At De Chocoladefabric for example, they make a chocolate pumpkin as a tribute to Kasterlee. It has the shape and colour of a real pumpkin and is filled with handmade Belgian chocolates. And the best part for our guests? You can also buy these chocolate pumpkins at Camping Houtum. You don't even have to leave the campsite!
You can also enjoy local beers from Kasterlee at our campsite, including the traditional Kasterlee pumpkin beer. So after spending a day exploring the village, you can continue discovering local flavours back at Camping Houtum.c
From pumpkin porridge at local fairs to chocolate creations and locally brewed pumpkin beer, the way Kasterlee celebrates its pumpkin tradition has certainly changed over the centuries. Fortunately, tasting it is still part of the experience.
De Pompoenerie: Our Pumpkin-Growing Neighbour
You don't have to travel far from Camping Houtum to discover another part of Kasterlee's pumpkin tradition. The fields of De Pompoenerie are located right next to our driveway. If you're staying with us in autumn, you'll almost certainly notice the pumpkins growing nearby.
De Pompoenerie is a work experience initiative where people with disabilities help with activities such as growing and maintaining pumpkins. Different varieties are cultivated and turned into local products, including pumpkin jam, chutney and ketchup. During pumpkin season, you can also buy pumpkins there.
In October, De Pompoenerie plays an important part in Pumpkin Month. During its annual Harvest Festival, the new harvest takes centre stage, and visitors can discover the pumpkins, products and people behind the initiative.
It's a lovely example of how Kasterlee's pumpkin tradition reaches almost right to the entrance of Camping Houtum.
Discover Belgium's Pumpkin Village for Yourself
Once you know the story behind Kasterlee's pumpkins, you'll start looking at them a little differently during your stay. The statue outside the town hall is more than just an eye-catching landmark, and the giant pumpkins are much more than an unusual attraction in October. They're all part of a tradition that has existed for centuries and continues to develop in new ways.
October is, of course, the perfect time to experience as much of this tradition as possible. There's something happening every Sunday during Pumpkin Month, but you'll also come across pumpkins throughout the village between the events.
Visit the pumpkin statue in the centre, admire the fields at De Pompoenerie or try one of the local pumpkin products.
And you never have to travel far from Camping Houtum to enjoy it all. You're staying right here in Kasterlee, with De Pompoenerie as our neighbour and the village centre just a short distance away. That makes it easy to combine the pumpkin tradition with walking, cycling and discovering the many other beautiful places our region has to offer.
Stay Overnight in Belgium's Pumpkin Village
Would you like to experience Pumpkin Month without having to head home after just one activity? Why not make a weekend or a few days in Kasterlee out of it? October is generally quieter at Camping Houtum than the summer months, while there's something happening in Kasterlee almost every Sunday.
At Camping Houtum, you can stay with your own tent, caravan or motorhome. Prefer a little extra comfort during the cooler autumn days? You can also choose one of our rental accommodations. This gives you plenty of time to explore Kasterlee in October and return to the peace and quiet of the campsite after a day out. Discover our camping pitches and rental accommodation >>
From pumpkin porridge in the 1700s to giant pumpkins weighing more than 1,000 kilograms, pumpkins have been a central part of Kasterlee's history. And the lovely thing is that this history isn't only found in books. Every autumn, you can see it, experience it and even taste it for yourself.
Planning to visit Kasterlee in October? Be sure to read our separate article about Pumpkin Month in Kasterlee. There, you'll find more information about the activities taking place each Sunday, including the current dates of the different pumpkin events.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found the article interesting. Do you have nice tips or ideas for new topics? Feel free to share them with us and follow us on Instagram for even more updates.
Looking for inspiration for a relaxing camping holiday or enjoyable activities in Kasterlee? Read our blog for tips about life at Camping Houtum and in the surrounding area. Do you have ideas of your own or feel something is missing? Send us an email at info@campinghoutum.be.
Follow us on social media for updates and a behind-the-scenes look! 
FAQ - Veelgestelde vragen over overnachten bij Camping Houtum
Absolutely! October in Kasterlee is all about pumpkins, but towards the end of the month, Halloween also starts to make an appearance. Various Halloween activities are organised throughout Kasterlee and the Kempen, from spooky walks to special activities for children. Bobbejaanland theme park also gets into the Halloween spirit during this period.
Would you like to know what's happening during your stay? Take a look at our separate article about Halloween in the Kempen, where we've put together an overview of this year's activities. Lees hier meer over Halloween in de Kempen >>
Yes! October can actually be a lovely month to head out with your caravan, motorhome or tent. The campsite is quieter than during the summer months, while there's something to enjoy in Kasterlee every Sunday during Pumpkin Month. Of course, keep in mind that temperatures can be lower and the days are getting shorter.
If you're camping in a tent, it's worth preparing a little more carefully for cold or wet nights. With a caravan or motorhome, October is often a wonderful opportunity to extend your camping season.
Yes! Camping Houtum has two sanitary buildings, both equipped with underfloor heating. This makes things just that little bit more comfortable in October, especially when the mornings and evenings start to feel cooler.
You'll find showers, toilets, washbasins and washing-up facilities. There's also a family shower, a baby bath and accessible sanitary facilities for guests with disabilities, available on request. So there's really no need to wait for a warm summer day to enjoy a camping weekend in autumn.
You can book a camping pitch or rental accommodation directly through our website. Simply enter your preferred arrival and departure dates, choose the pitch or accommodation that suits you and complete your booking online.
Planning to visit especially for one of the Pumpkin Month activities? We recommend booking in advance. Weekends around the most popular pumpkin events can be particularly busy.