Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns

Halloween used to be gentler than this. Before the fake blood and the jump scares it was really just wonder at a candle inside a carved face, and somebody here decided to multiply that past the point of reason until an evening walk turns into something close to reverence. A mile-long trail through the botanic garden, lit by more than ten thousand hand-carved pumpkins. No monsters. No screaming. Just warm orange light and craftsmanship that makes no economic sense whatsoever. Some are portraits. Some are whole scenes. Every one of them is lit from inside and will be compost within a week, which is somehow the part that stays with you. It is built for families with small kids, for couples who want atmosphere without adrenaline, and for people who love October for its beauty rather than its fear. Bring a jacket and walk slowly. Come if you believe a candle inside a carved face is quietly one of the better things humans do.