Radish Festival

On the 23rd of December the zocalo (down town square) in Oaxaca City is lined with little wooden booths. A cordoned off walk way surrounds the booths and people busily dash around the square setting up their little stand. It is La Noche de los Rabanos or the night of the radishes. Local artist set out elaborately carved radishes, detailed sculptures from marigolds, and corn husk creations. After sunset the show starts and people spill into the square, making a long winding line to see the radishes. The line is tightly packed to prohibit people cutting into line and it slowly crawls towards the booths. Nervous artisans spray their creations to keep them from turning brown and wilting. Finally after a long wait you get a chance to see the creations for yourself. Booth after booth depict detailed nativity scenes, cultural dancers, and other masterpieces carved from radishes. The marigold and corn husk creations are no less amazing. After you make it through the line there are vendors to visit for a nice cup of hot chocolate and a snack
The Spanish first brought radishes to Mexico in the 1500s. The legend says that two Spanish friars encouraged the indigenous people to carve the radishes so that they sold better in the market. In 1897 the mayor of Oaxaca announced the first radish festival. Since then it has become a yearly tradition.
This year marks the 113th anniversary of the radish festival. The winner of the best radishes will receive a 1,300 dollar prize. Today the radishes are grown in lots of fertilizer with heavy chemicals to promote growth. These radishes are not recommended for consumption. They can grow up to 50 centimeters in length about 19.7 inches.
This is a unique and fun festival to go to complete with large crowds, excited children, excellent food, and fine entertainment. If you find yourself in Oaxaca during Christmas time, it is worth it to check out La Noche de los Rabanos.