Noche de Rábanos – Night of the Radishes.
An event where people carve all sorts of amazing sculptures out of radishes? Sounds crazy right?? Well it happens in Oaxaca City on December 23rd every year. Noche de Rábanos is something you have to see to believe.
What happens during the Night of the Radishes?
The Night of the Radishes in Oaxaca, also known as Radish Night, is a festive Christmas tradition that has captivated the predominantly Catholic town for 125 years. This unique event features a spirited competition among artists who skillfully craft elaborate radish sculptures, vying for the coveted title, a cash prize, and the privilege of bragging rights that last an entire year.
About 100 odd stalls are competing to win prizes in a few different categories. They spend hours and hours designing these incredible masterpieces. And thousands of people come every year from all over Mexico to check it out. It’s just unbelievable.
When you really get up close to them and admire the detail, you really get to appreciate the work that goes into them. I mean, have a look at some of these pics, they’re amazing.
From early afternoon in the Zocalo, they are setting up their stalls and putting the finishing touches on their pieces. It’s the perfect time for you to get close for a good look with less people around. By about 6pm when it officially opens, there’s people everywhere. And massive lines, so you will be waiting a long time to see them.
The radishes can be huge. Up to 50cm long and 10cm wide. And can weigh up to 3kg’s. Wow!! No wonder some of the pieces are enormous.
Noche de Rábanos has officially been going on since 1897, but its believed to have been going since the 18th century. What started off as just a couple guys having a laugh at some funny shaped radishes and making some funny things out of them, has somehow transformed into the event it is today. And it keeps getting bigger every year.
This event is well worth the visit. If you’re anywhere near Oaxaca at Christmas time, come and see the Noche de Rábanos. It’s definitely one of the more interesting and different things you’ll see. And christmas is a great time to visit Oaxaca too. Lots of music and dancing in the streets every day. It’s a beautiful place.
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Happy travels!!
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