Posts
La Noche de Rábanos (or Night of the Radishes) is a traditional contest that takes place every December 23 in the town square of Oaxaca. It starts at three in the afternoon with the assembly of an exhibition that starts at five and the display of radish figures entered in the contest.
We went early while they were still setting up. The stands are lined up around the perimeter of the plaza with an elevated walkway. There is a fence that cordons off the walkway. The lines start forming early and can go on for blocks. It is truly an amazing event. Some of the radishes weigh several pounds and are carved into various designs and the scenes displayed are all quite different but many have a religious theme.
In 1897, the municipal president of the city of Oaxaca, held the first contest. The purpose was to measure the progress of floriculture and horticulture in the area. They used the stalls of the Christmas Eve market.
This was my favorite! It is a representation of all the popular places around Oaxaca City. The detail is incredible. As they are setting up and during the event, the artists are busy spraying water and constantly rearranging their radishes.
There were three winners and the first place won 30,000 or $1,500 USD. After, of course, we were hungry and thirsty from all the walking and gawking so we found a place to sit down for dinner. Actually, it was a light snack. Good grief, we have been eating now for five days! It's been good but time to go home on Tuesday and settle back into our eating and drinking routines. A lot of Christmas cheer has been had.
More to come. We took a day trip today. It was really nice to get out of the city and visit a small town with some history and of course followed by another "light snack".
Truly amazing carvings, thanks! No radishes for dinner😁?
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, not a radish in sight!
Delete