Night of the Radishes

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Night of the Radishes

Noche de Rábanos

Dulces Tradicionales Oaxaqueños entry at the 2014 Night of the

Radishes

Genre Event

Date(s) December 23

Frequency Annually

Location(s) Oaxaca City

Inaugurated December 23, 1897

Activity Carving of oversized radishes

The Night of the Radishes (Spanish: Noche de Rábanos) is an annual event held on
December 23 in Oaxaca, Mexico, dedicated to the carving of oversized radishes
(Raphanus sativus) to create scenes that compete for prizes in various categories.
The event has its origins in the colonial period when radishes were introduced by the
Spanish. Oaxaca has a long wood carving tradition and farmers began carving radishes
into figures as a way to attract customers' attention at the Christmas market, which was
held in the main square on December 23. In 1897, the city instituted the formal
competition. As the city has grown, the government has had to dedicate land to the
growing of the radishes used for the event, supervising their growth and distribution to
competitors. The event has become very popular, attracting over 100 contestants and
thousands of visitors. Since the radishes wilt soon after cutting, the works can only be
displayed for a number of hours, which has led to very long lines for those wishing to
see them. The event also has displays and competitions for works made with corn
husks and dried flowers, which are created with the same themes as those with
radishes.