Last chance to see Gardens of Light and Great Pumpkin Ball
MONTREAL, Oct. 21, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Montréal Space for Life invites you to make the most of the last days of October to enjoy the magnificent colours of the Gardens of Light and take part in a multitude of special Halloween activities. During the day, decked out in all their finery, the Botanical Garden, the Insectarium and the Biodôme play host to a variety of activities and colourful characters, including the Great Pumpkin Ball, Esmeralda the witch and Pépo-citrouille, the Little Monsters Courtyard, Spiders Unmasked and—much anticipated by the Biodôme's inhabitants—Pumpkin Treats. In the evening, come admire the most beautiful lights in the most beautiful natural settings offered by the Chinese and Japanese Gardens.
Gardens of Light (until November 3)
The Montréal Botanical Garden celebrates a second year of its Gardens of Light. This year, the longstanding tradition of the Magic of Lanterns event in the Chinese Garden is centred on the theme of The Living Treasures of Xishuangbanna, a lush tropical rainforest in southern China and an extraordinary example of biodiversity. The pleasure of festive illuminations is far from new in China! In fact, the Imperial Court celebrated the Lantern Festival as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC to AD 220). Three hundred years later, the tradition spread to the general population. Come admire the lanterns in all their splendour!
The wonder continues with exquisite play of light and shadow in the Japanese Garden. As soon as the sun sets, the garden lights up to create a tableau of stunning beauty in which, as the weeks go on, changing colours evoke the passage of time. Many aspects of Japanese culture revolve around the cycle of the seasons and changes in nature. The rich colours that adorn the trees in autumn are just one manifestation worthy of contemplation. A moment of grace and enchantment!
The Great Pumpkin Ball (until October 31)
This fall, spend some unforgettable moments at the Botanical Garden, where members of the Cucurbitaceae family are the guests of honour at the 28th edition of the Great Pumpkin Ball. In the company of the kindest of witches, Esmeralda, her cat Abracadabra and her broom Gontran, come marvel at the nearly 900 pumpkins decorated by students, citizens and families on display in the main exhibition greenhouse until Halloween as part of the Pumpkin-Decorating Contest. Enjoy the show starring Pépo-citrouille—a favourite character among youngsters—that tells the story of his origins, and don't miss the many games of skill and agility in the amazing Little Monsters Courtyard, sure to please the young and the young-at-heart.
Round off your day with some Halloween-themed origami at the Japanese Pavilion, a stop at the Squash Kiosk to learn about squashes of all shapes, sizes and colours and, of course, a visit to the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) kiosk.
Spiders Unmasked (until October 31)
At Halloween time, insects and arachnids at the Insectarium dress as superheroes and leave their vivariums behind to meet visitors. Come say hello! Get to know them better with the help of several original activities, including one entitled Naturally Well Made! What is? Spiders, of course! Learn all about arachnids' formidable hunting skills and seductive powers, and their surprising adaptations. In honour of Halloween, we will untangle the exploits of these fascinating creatures. Just try to resist their charms…
Ani-Défi (October 27) and Pumpkin Treats (October 31)
We are also getting ready for Halloween at the Biodôme—come take part in the Ani-défi activity on Sunday, October 27, to assemble pumpkins to be placed in the animal habitats. On Halloween itself, the animals will be participating in the festivities in their own way with the Pumpkin Treats activity. During this much-anticipated feast, they will have to discover how to open up pumpkins—like surprise packages—containing their favourite foods (fruit, insects, etc.). Don't miss this playful enrichment activity that keeps the animals inquisitive and on their toes, just like in nature!
SOURCE: Ville de Montréal - Biodôme de Montréal
espacepourlavie.ca/en
Diane Pinard
Communications Coordinator
514-872-5028
[email protected]
Nadine Fortin:
Communications Coordinator
514-868-3053
[email protected]
Share this article