Night

of the

RadishesAlina Andreychuk, F-102

December 23rd is Night of the Radishes in Oaxaca City, a

Christmastime festival that has no match in oddity and creativity anywhere else in Mexico. Wild animals, the Virgin of Guadalupe, mythical creatures and scenes of everyday Oaxacan life are all represented in shades of magneta and cream in the form of local radishes grown solely for the occasion—it’s a comical,

whismical and edible time.

The tradition of holding an yearly radish carving competition dates back to 1897 when Oaxaca City’s mayor, Francisco Vasconcelos, decided to make the contest part of that year’s Christmas market, which sold traditional flowers, herbs and ingredients for holiday dishes as well as decorations for the home. Because radishes had always been integral to Oaxaca’s Christmas cuisine as both an essential ingredient and a decorative garnish, the radish contest was seen as a fun way to promote local agriculture.

Those first simple carvings have since evolved into intricate and skilled designs created by master carvers who work with the help of their families. Entire nativity scenes and elaborately detailed everyday items are carved from the radishes’ splendid tones of white and pink, creating lively scenes from lowly roots. A true artist’s eye is necessary in order to win the contest.

While much planning is involved leading up to the contest, the entire event takes place in the span of just a few hours—once the radishes start to wilt and turn brown, their allure is over. Families and groups of carvers start working together from the morning of the event to have their scenes ready for display by 5 pm. Tourists and guests are then invited to walk among the sculptures for a few hours and prizes are awarded later in the evening.

Though Oaxaca has a long, proud tradition of artisanal wood- working, papier-mâché sculptures and many other local arts and crafts, the Night of the Radishes is a unique extension of the incredible talent that the state of Oaxaca brings to the rest of the country.

Sources:

https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/a-uniquely-oaxa can-festival-night-of-the-radishes/

https://theunconventionalgardener.com/blog/night-radishes/ https://www.globetrottinkids.com/la-noche-de-los-rabanos/