The 127th annual Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) took place on Monday evening in Oaxaca City’s Plaza de la Constitución, drawing more than 140 participants eager to showcase their intricate radish sculptures. This beloved tradition celebrates creativity and Oaxacan culture, attracting thousands of spectators each year.
Participants transform radishes into elaborate works of art, ranging from religious scenes to fantastical creatures. Sculptures are entered into various competition categories, including traditional Oaxacan themes, an open freestyle category (libre), and separate competitions for children and youth. The winners are awarded cash prizes, and all participants must hail from Oaxaca state.
Approximately 10,000 spectators attended this year’s event, which also included displays of corn husk figurines (totomoxtle) and bright dried flower arrangements (flor inmortal). The creole radishes used for the sculptures, inedible and grown specifically for the event, are planted by Oaxaca’s municipal government each September and distributed to participants after the December harvest.
The Night of the Radishes dates back to 1897 when then-municipal president Francisco Vasconcelos established the first official contest to highlight the creativity of local artisans and address the surplus of radishes. The tradition, however, has even earlier origins in the mid-18th century when friars reportedly brought forgotten radishes to the market as curiosities.
A panel of judges, including past winners such as “Lord of the Radishes” Juan Manuel García Esperanza, evaluate each piece based on aesthetics, creativity, and technique. Judges ensure that only natural materials are used, apart from toothpicks to hold the sculptures together.
Oaxaca’s Tourism Ministry is planning a second edition of the Night of the Radishes parade, a feature introduced in 2023 with themed floats to bring the artistry to more people across the city. This year’s event once again highlights the extraordinary talent and cultural pride of Oaxacans, making the Night of the Radishes a cherished part of Mexico’s holiday season.