30 incredibly detailed pumpkin carvings that will inspire you to get creative this Halloween
Caroline Fox
- Every Halloween, carved jack-o'-lanterns illuminate neighborhoods with their spooky smiles.
- People all over the world have begun carving incredibly intricate designs, transforming their pumpkins into works of art.
- Here are 30 of the most unbelievable pumpkin carvings you'll ever see.
Every October, pumpkins carved with grinning faces illuminate neighborhoods, but some people have taken the spooky tradition to the next level.
From intricately carved "Game of Thrones" characters to portraits of pop-culture figures, artists have turned these seasonal fruits into works of art.
Today, carving pumpkins may be a lighthearted activity, but jack-o'-lanterns are based on an old and eerie legend from Ireland.
According to the myth, a mysterious man named Stingy Jack played tricks on the devil. On one occasion, Jack trapped the devil in a tree and allowed him down only once he'd promised to leave Jack alone. Once Jack died, God would not allow him into heaven, and the devil would not allow him into hell, leaving Jack trapped in the darkness in between. As the legend goes, Jack put a coal in a hollowed-out turnip to light his way — and he still roams around with this makeshift lamp to this day.
On Hallows' Eve, to ward off evil spirits like Jack, the Irish used to carve scary faces into turnips and gourds before placing a light in them. Irish immigrants are believed to have brought the tradition to the US.
For some inspiration for this year's Halloween, here are some of the most unbelievable pumpkin carvings you'll ever see.
Some artists bring a modern-day twist to the centuries-old tradition, like this carver's Lady Gaga design.
Pumpkin carver Hugh McMahon poses with his Lady Gaga pumpkin in New York.
Carvers have turned gourds into expressive works of art.
These carved pumpkins were in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Pumpkin carver Christian Russell posed with his world record-breaking jack-o'-lantern.
This pumpkin, which was on show in England in 2017, weighed 2,013 pounds.
This angry Viking pumpkin would put fear in anyone.
This work of art by Czech vegetable carver Radek Vach was displayed during the first European vegetable carving competition in Leipzig, eastern Germany, where competitors had just four hours to create their designs. It took place in 2011.
It's hard to believe this sculpture started out as a piece of fruit.
Competitors at the event could carve their designs into fruits and vegetables including pumpkins, melons, papayas, cucumbers, and carrots.
Grumpy Cat poses with her matching pumpkin.
Sculptor Ray Villafane made this replica of the grumpy kitty in Arizona in 2014.
These carvings would give you a fright if you saw them in your neighborhood.
The incredible designs were displayed in a restaurant in Turkey.
An elegant pumpkin has layers of delicate flower petals.
This design, by artist Wang Xiang, is a beautiful contrast to the usual spooky faces.
Mike Brown is a 3D pumpkin artist who creates outstanding pumpkins, like this one.
Brown, who is from Missouri, won Food Network's "Halloween Wars Season 7" and holds a Guinness World Record for carving the largest pumpkin.
Sometimes he adds color to make his pumpkins even scarier.
This pumpkin will 100% give you nightmares.
The carved faces even appear soft and squishy.
They are incredibly realistic.
He sometimes adds stalks to create his masterpieces.
This pumpkin by Mike Brown almost looks alive.
It feels as if this pumpkin is looking right at you.
The wrinkled skin makes the pumpkin extremely realistic.
The hosts of the "Today" show made an appearance on this pumpkin.
An artist carved this on set in 2018.
These four hand-carved "Wizard of Oz" pumpkins really took the tradition to the next level.
These pumpkins were part of a display at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge, California, in 2014.
Hillary Clinton appeared on this pumpkin in California.
The candidates were popular designs during the 2016 election.
President Donald Trump joined her for this display.
The Kardashians brought a touch of glamour to this display.
Khloe and Kris Kardashian pumpkins are pictured as part of a display in 2014.
A more whimsical design shows a jumping swordfish.
The artist said it took about two hours to carve this creation, which was displayed at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
This detailed carving pays homage to "Star Wars."
It was displayed outside the world's largest private collection of Star Wars memorabilia in California.
This Rob Zombie jack-o'-lantern is a masterpiece.
It looks just like the singer.
This pumpkin stays true to its frightening Halloween roots.
It was designed as part of a TV show, "Carvers," in 2014.
A dinosaur skeleton carving is made out of dozens of full-size pumpkins.
It was on display at the Rise of the Jack-O'-Lanterns exhibit in California.
This growling pumpkin is preserved in vinegar while on display at the "Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns" exhibit in California.
The pumpkins in the exhibit were created by professional artists and sculptors.
In New York City, the "Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns" show included this Disney-themed pumpkin.
The spectacle on Governors Island displays more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins created by professional artists.
Although the event is canceled this year, pumpkin-lovers can be inspired by photos from years past and get creative while carving at home.
Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns hopes to resume in 2021.
The hyper-realistic carvings are works of art.
The ants look real.
This pumpkin honors John Singleton, who's best known for directing "Boyz N the Hood."
The American filmmaker passed away in 2019.
Rick Reiski, a pumpkin carver, is pictured working on a 1,124-pound pumpkin.
It was displayed at the 2019 Open Pumpkin Cradle Championships in Germany.
These carvers created their displays under water.
Their work might not be the most intricate, but these underwater pumpkin carvers managed a remarkable feat. The event is held off Florida's Key Largo every year.
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