By KHT Staff. AI recreation based on a reference photograph.
KAOHSIUNG — The 22-meter-tall inflatable pumpkin featured at Weiwuying’s (衛武營) previous Halloween festivals will return this weekend for its final appearance, according to the city government.
The three-day Halloween celebration runs Oct. 30–Nov. 1 at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, Weiwuying. The pumpkin’s opening lighting ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, with a performance by members of the TSG Hawks cheerleading squad, Liberty Times reported.
This year’s animated, 360-degree light show will incorporate the surrounding architecture, giving the pumpkin the appearance of wings and a cape.
The city government says the giant pumpkin will retire after this year’s event. Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁), whose term is nearing its end, joked that it would “graduate” alongside him. The announcement concerns the pumpkin installation; it does not say the annual Halloween festival is ending.
Elsewhere at the festival, visitors can explore nine themed photo areas, watch performances on two stages and browse more than 250 food and creative-goods stalls. Performers include teams from children’s channels YOYO, MOMO and PTS, along with the Paper Windmill Theatre (紙風車劇團).
A two-day family costume runway will replace the traditional parade. A new dress-up area will provide materials for visitors to create costumes on site.
Organizers encourage visitors to use public transportation, including the MRT Orange Line to Weiwuying Station (衛武營站, O10). Further details are available on the official event page.
