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December is a whirlwind of traditions — Christmas trees light up living rooms, menorahs burn bright, and festive feasts fill tables. But south of the border, in the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico, there’s a celebration that outshines them all—literally. On December 23rd, the city’s zócalo (main square) transforms into a spectacle of carved radish art for Noche de los Rábanos, or "Night of the Radishes."
These aren’t the cute little salad toppers you’re thinking of. Picture radishes the size of your forearm, twisted into surreal shapes, carved into dazzling displays. Dragons, saints, former presidents, and entire Nativity scenes emerge from their earthy forms. It’s part competition, part tradition, and 100% mind-blowing.
From Fields to Artistry
This quirky festival has roots (pun intended) that stretch back centuries. Radishes weren’t even native to Mexico; they were brought over by Spanish settlers and monks in the colonial era. Oaxaca’s fertile soil proved perfect for these crops, and soon the radishes became a staple at local markets.
But one fateful December in the mid-18th century, a bumper crop of radishes was left in the ground. By the time they were unearthed, the radishes had grown into massive, gnarled oddities. Two Dominican monks saw more than veggies—they saw inspiration. They displayed the monstrous radishes at the Christmas market, sparking curiosity and laughter. Local wood carvers, already skilled artisans, soon joined in the fun, shaping the oversized radishes into Nativity scenes to delight shoppers.
Fast forward to 1897, and Francisco Vasconcelos, Oaxaca’s municipal president, made it official: December 23rd would forever be dedicated to radish carving. Over the years, the festival expanded, evolving into the dazzling event it is today.
A Festival Like No Other
Each year, radishes are grown specifically for this event—huge, misshapen varieties cultivated near the city’s airport. These radishes are more about aesthetics than taste; their sole destiny is to be carved into art. And what art it is!
Artists compete in two main categories: traditional, featuring scenes of Oaxacan culture, and free, where anything goes. From mythical creatures to mezcal-making scenes to replicas of Michelangelo’s La Pietà, the creativity is boundless. There's even a cash prize at stake—winners take home between 12,000 to 30,000 pesos (roughly $625 to $1,500), but the real prize is the bragging rights.
The process isn’t for the faint of heart. Participants spend days cleaning, carving, and assembling their displays, often working through the night. By the evening of December 23rd, the zócalo is packed with families, tourists, and artists fine-tuning their radish creations. Concerts, light shows, and fireworks set the mood as the judges make their rounds, and the winners are announced late in the evening.
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The Night of the Radishes doesn’t stop at vegetables. Two additional categories, totomoxtle natural (corn husk art) and flor inmortal (dried flower displays), showcase Oaxaca’s rich artistic traditions.
Whether you’re marveling at radish-crafted alligators, intricate mission-style churches, or a vibrant display of dried flowers, the festival is a feast for the senses.
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