We talked about novel Christmas celebrations in South America last week. Now let’s look a bit farther north. On her website, Irene of My Slice of Mexico provides information about a Oaxacan tradition you will want to hear about, Night of the Radishes!
There were no radishes in Mexico until the Spanish brought them over in the 1500s. The Spanish friars began to grow them. Legend has it than in the mid-1800s, the harvest was so plentiful that a good number of radishes were left in the ground. They continued to grow into strange and humorous shapes. Many were two feet long and weighed several pounds. When they were dug up, they were brought to the Christmas craft fair as a novelty and carved into religious figures and scenes from the Bible by vendors trying to attract attention to their booths.
In 1897, Mayor Francisco Vasconcelos Flores made Noche de rábano, Night of the Radishes an annual event. For decades, the government of Oaxaca has grown a field of highly fertilized extra large radishes for the yearly competition. Artisans of the Christmas market on the main square have a few days to plan, then carve them into wonderful sculptures. In past years, over 100 people participated in the competition, both adults and children. Unfortunately, this year the event was not held due to the pandemic.
Here are a few entries from contestants in 2014. We’ll start with two of the Patron Saint of Oaxaca:
I’ve never traveled to Oaxaca. I’d heard of the impressive crafts and food culture, and this is the final enticement. Now I must see the Noche de rábanos! Gracias to Irene for introducing me to this fantastic tradition!
Which sculpture did you like best?
Long live vegetables and ¡Viva México! ¡Olé! –Rebecca
Fake Flamenco 
It seems unfair to choose one because they are all so amazing. Who would ever have thought that radishes could produce such work. I’ll vote for Nuestra Señora de Soledad as it seems the most accomplished but all deserve a prize.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your comments, Mari. There are about 100 photos of the 2014 contest on Wikimedia commons, it was difficult to select just a handful. I love them all as well.
LikeLike
Rebecca, I have to choose Our Lady of Guadalupe. That boy just beams with pride for his creation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Henry. I think that is an amazing creation for a child! He is rightfully proud.
LikeLike
All great pieces, Rebecca! My favorite is the Virgin de Guadalupe by the young Alberto which shows a variety of shapes and sizes as well as the interior and exterior of the radishes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alberto’s sculpture is very well done. She is immediately recognizable. I hope he continues to participate in the contest!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is INSANE! Never knew that radishes could be made into such detailed figurines! The one of the leopard and Nuestra Señora de Soledad al Pie de la Cruz, La Patrona de Oaxaca are stunning, and I wish I had the artisanship to craft such lovely carvings! Thanks for sharing this unique tradition. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your comments, Rebecca. I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw examples of the radish sculptures on Irene’s site. Such a cool tradition I wanted to share here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How fabulous. And even though it’s one of the simpler ones, I love the leopard in your featured photo. Happy Noche de rábanos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Margaret. I like the wild cat as well. May need to grow radishes and leave them in the ground a while next year to try our hand at this folk art!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This weird and wonderful world of ours, Rebecca! The lady in the posh frock looks a bit scary 🙂 🙂 All the best to you in 2021!
LikeLike
She is imposing, behave or she’ll rap your knuckles 😉 Happy 2021!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Who knew radishes are so versatile!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right, Carol Anne! Maybe the artisans could expand into radish jewelry, necklace for the night? 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person