Pumpkins are the star of fall, from front-porch decorations and jack-o'-lanterns to pies, breads and lattes. National Pumpkin Day, on October 26, celebrates this versatile squash just before Halloween. It's a great time to visit a pumpkin patch, carve a jack-o'-lantern or bake a pumpkin treat.
History of National Pumpkin Day
Pumpkins are native to the Americas. Squash was domesticated in Mexico thousands of years ago, and Native Americans grew pumpkins alongside corn and beans in the 'Three Sisters' system. Early colonists learned to grow and cook pumpkins from Native Americans.
The jack-o'-lantern tradition began in Ireland, where people carved turnips and potatoes to ward off spirits, based on the legend of 'Stingy Jack'. Irish immigrants in America found pumpkins easier to carve, and the pumpkin jack-o'-lantern was born.
Today, Illinois grows more pumpkins than any other state, many of them for canning. Who created National Pumpkin Day is not documented.
Pumpkins have also inspired competitions. Giant pumpkin growers compete to raise pumpkins weighing more than 2,000 pounds, and some towns hold regattas where people paddle hollowed-out pumpkins across lakes. Pumpkin festivals across the country celebrate the harvest with carving contests, pie-eating contests and parades.
Why National Pumpkin Day Matters
Pumpkins are part of fall traditions and celebrations.
They're nutritious, rich in vitamin A and fiber.
Pumpkin patches support local farms and provide family fun.
Pumpkins can also reduce waste when used thoughtfully. After Halloween, uncarved pumpkins can be cooked into soups and pies, seeds can be roasted, and carved pumpkins can be composted or donated to farms for animal feed. Some communities hold 'pumpkin smash' events that turn old pumpkins into compost.
How to Celebrate National Pumpkin Day
- Carve a jack-o'-lantern: create a spooky or silly face.
- Bake: make pumpkin pie, bread or muffins.
- Roast seeds: bake pumpkin seeds with salt.
- Visit a pumpkin patch: pick your own.
- Compost: compost pumpkins after Halloween.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, hold a pumpkin-carving or decorating contest. In classrooms, students can estimate pumpkin weight, count seeds or learn about plant life cycles. At home, families can carve pumpkins, roast seeds and bake together. Use child-safe carving tools or paint pumpkins for young children.
Fun Facts About National Pumpkin Day
- Pumpkins are native to the Americas.
- Jack-o'-lanterns began with carved turnips in Ireland.
- Illinois grows the most pumpkins in the U.S.
National Pumpkin Day FAQs
When is National Pumpkin Day?
National Pumpkin Day is October 26.
Where do pumpkins come from?
The Americas.
Why do we carve jack-o'-lanterns?
The tradition comes from Ireland, where turnips were carved.
Which state grows the most pumpkins?
Illinois.