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Christmas

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

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

By Sofía Danis - 2021-12-29T18:18:12Z
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While 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 with over a century of history. 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 originated as a sales strategy, as merchants used to decorate their stalls with curiously carved radishes to attract the attention of buyers and increase their sales. On Christmas Eve in 1897, the then mayor, Francisco Vasconcelos, organized the first exhibition of carved radishes after admiring the stalls decorated with the eye-catching figurines.

Over time, the Night of the Radishes became an annual competition where gardeners and floriculturists bring to life ephemeral works of art, including 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 competition.



The radishes used during the festival are grown three months in advance and are for the exclusive use of the carving competition. Most of the specimens used during the Night of the Radishes can 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 decorate 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.