La Noche de Rabanos, or the Night of the Radishes, is a vibrant festival celebrated in Oaxaca City, Mexico, known for its intricate radish carvings on giant radishes.
Dating back to the colonial period, La Noche de Rabanos began as a way
for farmers to showcase their harvests during Christmas markets.
As part of the tradition, artisans carve radishes especially grown for
the festival into stunning scenes depicting nativity, folklore, and historical events.
The radishes carved are not the regular ones but the overfertilized
gigantic radishes weighing up to 20 tonnes. These radishes are not edible and are hence used for
carving.
The radish carvings are displayed in Oaxaca's main square, where
competitions for the best displays attract large crowds of spectators.
Radishes symbolize abundance and fertility in Mexican culture, making
them a fitting choice for this festive celebration.
While radishes are the star of the show, artisans also use other
vegetables and plant materials to create intricate displays.
La Noche de Rabanos is more than just a festival gaining international
recognition; it's a time for the community to come together, celebrate, and share their
traditions.