Night of the Radishes, a Special Day Based on a Colorful Contest

Syncretism is what makes Mexican culture so special. Most of the traditions that arose from the integration of two cultures are based on the Catholic religion. Some authors say that in Oaxaca, the Dominican monks taught the Zapotecs and Mixtecs the great art of horticulture. Through this, they began an important activity growing vegetables and flowers that led them to become great gardeners.

For the vigil meals (one cannot eat meat nor poultry during vigil meals) on December 23, salted dried fish was sold in the market and the merchants did everything possible to be the merchant that sold the most. To distinguish themselves from others, vendors sculpted radish figures; embellishing them with turnips, onions, lettuce and flowers.

That is how a specific need became a great tradition. In 1897, the mayor of Oaxaca inaugurated the first exhibition of radish art. Since then, each year the Zocalo (main square) welcomes this event where local artists not only showcase their talent with radishes, but also participate in important contests to choose the best sculptures. Extremely large radishes are carved into elaborate scenes and figures and placed on display around the Zocalo, along with scenes of figures in the “flor inmortal” (immortal flower: brightly colored, dried straw flowers) and “totomoxtle” (corn husks).

The radishes used are heavy and long., Different figures arise from the imagination of the crafter: a dancing figure, perhaps, fashioned out of the red peel only and perforated like eyelet lace. Now, with the celebration of Christmas Eve on December 24th, the combination of traditions is more evident when watching the complete scene: the Zócalo full of Christmas lights and the line of tourists visiting the exhibition of radishes in order to choose the one that will be the winner of the year.

For more information, please visit http://www.oaxacamexico.com.mx/blog/noche-de-rabanos-2008.htm