Oaxaca’s Night of the Radishes: A Festive Spectacle of Craft and Culture
What is the Night of the Radishes?
Every year on December 23, Oaxaca’s Zócalo fills with one of Mexico’s most unusual public art events. Known as Noche de Rábanos or the Night of the Radishes, the festival is a competitive display in which growers and artisans carve oversized radishes into intricate scenes. What begins as a market attraction becomes a sculptural show that draws families, foodies and craft admirers from across the world.
From Farm Stalls to Festival Fame: A Rooted History
The tradition dates back to colonial times when local farmers and Dominican merchants created eye-catching vegetable displays to attract buyers during the Christmas markets. The informal displays were later formalised into a competition that celebrates both harvest and holy-night festivities. Today the festival keeps that market spirit alive while honouring Oaxaca’s layered cultural history.
A Masterpiece in Miniature: The Craft Behind the Carvings
At its heart the Night of the Radishes is a craft event. Artisans treat each root like a tiny block of stone, using knives, carving tools and natural leaves to build reliefs, dioramas and three dimensional figures. Themes range from nativity scenes and local myths to contemporary commentary. The work is ephemeral: radish flesh oxidises and wilts within hours, making each piece a fleeting example of skill, speed and improvisation.
Experience the Magic: Why You Can’t Miss It
Beyond the competition there is parade energy, street food stalls serving tlayudas and mezcal, live music and fireworks that turn the square into a sensory collage. For travellers interested in craft culture the festival is a rare chance to see agricultural produce reimagined as folk art. It is festive, tactile and utterly original—perfect for anyone who loves food, tradition and hands-on creativity.
Planning tip: arrive early on December 23 to see the carvings at their freshest and to soak up the full Zócalo atmosphere.
