Tags
annual, carving, Christmas market, competition, corn husk, December 23, dedicated land, dried flowers, festival, long lines, Mexico, Night of the Radishes, Noche de los Rabanos, Oaxaca, oversized, wilt
The Night of the Radishes (Oaxaca, Mexico)
The Night of the Radishes (or Noche de los Rabanos) is an annual event held in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. Here people create scenes by carving oversized radishes to compete for prizes. The event began in the colonial period when radishes were introduced by the Spanish. Oaxaca had had a long wood carving tradition. Farmers began carving with radishes to attract customers to the Christmas market. In 1897, the city created the formal competition. Due to the city’s growth, land had to specifically be dedicated to grow the radishes. The Night of the Radishes is a very popular event that attracts over 100 competitors and thousands of visitors. Radishes quickly wilt after cutting so displays only last a few hours which leads to long lines to view the works. Corn husk and dried flower works have also been permitted. The Night of the Radishes is held every year on December 23.