Night of the Radishes

The Night of the Radishes is an extraordinary and festive event held annually on December 23 in Oaxaca, Mexico. During this celebration, oversized radishes are meticulously carved into intricate scenes, competing for prizes across various categories. This tradition dates back to the colonial era when the Spanish introduced radishes to the region. To attract customers at the Christmas market, Oaxacan farmers began crafting these radishes into imaginative shapes. The competition's popularity grew so much that in 1897, the city decided to formalize the event.

The radishes used for this festival are specially cultivated to attain large sizes and unique shapes, ideal for carving but not suitable for consumption. Over the years, the competition has expanded beyond traditional nativity scenes to include renditions of Oaxacan culture, history, and folklore.

More than 100 participants from Oaxaca and neighboring communities join in the festivities, registering months in advance. They receive their radishes on December 18 and spend the subsequent days preparing their masterpieces. On December 23, they carve and assemble their entries, competing in categories that include both traditional and free themes. Special categories exist for novices and children to ensure the tradition's continuity for future generations. Winners can take home prizes such as cash, bicycles, and school supplies. In addition to the radish carvings, there are also competitions for scenes crafted from dried corn husks and flowers.

Due to the perishable nature of radishes, the event lasts only a few hours on December 23. Judging and prize-giving ceremonies take place in the evening. Despite its brief duration, the Night of the Radishes draws thousands of visitors and officials, resulting in long wait times to view the entries. Despite these challenges, it remains a cherished cultural event in Oaxaca, celebrating creativity and tradition in a uniquely captivating manner.