The Night of the Radishes, a little-known Christmas celebration in Oaxaca

Read in EnglishWhile carving pumpkins is one of the most famous traditions of Halloween, carving radishes on Christmas Eve is a very popular tradition in the state of Oaxaca that is over a century old. The Night of the Radishes takes place every December 23rd and is the most anticipated Christmas celebration in Oaxaca during the holiday season.This peculiar tradition arose as a sales strategy, as merchants used to decorate their stalls with curious carved radishes to attract the attention of shoppers and increase their sales. On Christmas Eve in 1897, the then municipal president, Francisco Vasconcelos, organized the first exhibition of carved radishes after admiring the decorated stalls with the eye-catching figurines.Over time, the Night of the Radishes turned into an annual competition where gardeners and florists bring ephemeral works of art to life, featuring nativity scenes, biblical scenes, and typical traditions of the region. Although radish carving is the most popular category, works made with totomoxtle (dried corn husk) and everlasting flower also participate in the contest.The radishes used during the festival are grown three months in advance and are exclusively for the carving competition. Most of the specimens used during the Night of the Radishes measure around 50 centimeters and weigh approximately three kilograms. Once the radishes are ready to be harvested, men, women, and children gather to harvest up to fourteen tons of radishes that adorn the Zócalo of Oaxaca every December 23rd.The tradition of radish carving has prevailed for over a century and will continue in the years to come. Now you know, the next time you |enjoy a traditional pozole topped with radish slices, remember that the most anticipated Christmas celebration in Oaxaca is the Night of the Radishes.