The Mexican state of Oaxaca is rich in cultural traditions, and one annual tradition that stands out is ‘Noche de Rábanos’ or the Night of Radishes. Starting in 1897 the annual radish carving competition takes place on the 23rd December in Oaxaca City centre. The night brings together local creatives and artisans as they sculpt their masterpieces from large radishes, grown especially for the occasion, in the hopes of winning a prize.

The selection of radishes for the event is no simple task, so the radishes are grown several months in advance to be sure that the best radishes are chosen. Most of the radishes used measure around 50 centromeres and can weigh up to 3 kilograms.

Typical entries into the competition include radishes carved into humans, characters, animals, and things relating to traditional Oaxacan culture such as a homage to la Guelaguetza festival or the María de la Soledad feast day. 

Although the radish entries make up the majority of those displayed, the competition also has creations using the ‘Totomoxtle’ a local flower that is dehydrated through a natural process.

As for the origins of this tradition, many trace it back to 23rd December 1897, when Oaxaca’s then-mayor organized the first competition after seeing how the local merchants decorated their stalls with radishes around Christmas to entice buyers; he then turned this sales strategy into a unique cultural tradition. 

The entries are on display for a few hours only but the lines of spectators who have come from near and a far are usually huge. At the end of the evening the winners are announced, and the festivities conclude with fireworks and live music performances.

As of 2019, the Totomoxtle competition is to be held on a separate day to give people more time to take in all the talent at this event. The Totomoxtle entries will be displayed on 22nd December and the radish competition retains its traditional date of 23rd December.

If you get a chance to see Oaxaca’s Noche de Rábanos you will not regret it, it is a unique experience that will make you fall further in love with the Oaxacan way of life.

Planning to attend FITUR Madrid 2020? 

Request an interview with Oaxaca’s Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos Rivera in Madrid: 22 – 24 January 2020.