Oaxaca is one of the most culturally traditional of Mexico’s thirty two states so it comes as a surprise that it hosts what is without doubt one of the quirkiest festivals in Mexico. Each December 23rd hundreds of competitors create intricate sculptures from the humble radish fighting it out for a large cash prize and more importantly, the pride of being crowned champion.
The legend as to how this traditional Christmas event in Oaxaca originated goes something like this: Native to China, radishes were introduced by the Spanish and in particular by the Catholic friars. One year in the mid-18th century the local radish crop was so abundant that a section lay unharvested for months. In December two friars pulled up some of these forgotten radishes. The size and shapes were amusing and they brought them as curiosities to the Christmas market held on December 23rd.
Carving the radishes began as a marketing gimmick and eventually the local population began buying the radishes not only to eat, but to create centerpieces for their Christmas dinners. In 1897 the mayor of the city decided to create a formal radish carving competition for this uniquely weird and wonderful festival which has been held annually ever since.
One might wonder why the typically tiny radish takes center stage, but if you are you have no doubt ever seen the radishes which are bred and grown specially for this event in Oaxaca. They are monstrously large and ideal for carving.
The scenes created by both skilled horticulturalists and amateur radish carvers are typically festive and religious in theme with the nativity being a particular favorite with the Three Kings and the Virgen of Guadalupe (the virgin Mary) being the most popular. And the red and white color of the radish works particularly well for this unusual Christmas celebration.
The entire Radish festival is remarkably brief lasting only a few hours. The brevity of the event is not in any way, however, a reflection of the hard work and preparation that goes into the work of this competition. Three days before the start of the festivities competitors begin carving their radishes the seeds of which were sown approximately three months ahead of time.
Each year the festival becomes more popular attracting over one hundred contestants and thousands of visitors. The creativity of the carved radishes and the art of the corn husks become more and more spectacular leading to a high sense of anticipation among the public who come to view this amazing annual festival in Oaxaca.
Thank you for joining me in my blog "journey" to the Radish and Corn Husk festival of Oaxaca and until next time, wishing you well wherever your travels may take you. Saludos, Laura
RADISH AND CORN HUSK FESTIVAL OAXACA, MEXICO
The legend as to how this traditional Christmas event in Oaxaca originated goes something like this: Native to China, radishes were introduced by the Spanish and in particular by the Catholic friars. One year in the mid-18th century the local radish crop was so abundant that a section lay unharvested for months. In December two friars pulled up some of these forgotten radishes. The size and shapes were amusing and they brought them as curiosities to the Christmas market held on December 23rd.
Carving the radishes began as a marketing gimmick and eventually the local population began buying the radishes not only to eat, but to create centerpieces for their Christmas dinners. In 1897 the mayor of the city decided to create a formal radish carving competition for this uniquely weird and wonderful festival which has been held annually ever since.
One might wonder why the typically tiny radish takes center stage, but if you are you have no doubt ever seen the radishes which are bred and grown specially for this event in Oaxaca. They are monstrously large and ideal for carving.
The scenes created by both skilled horticulturalists and amateur radish carvers are typically festive and religious in theme with the nativity being a particular favorite with the Three Kings and the Virgen of Guadalupe (the virgin Mary) being the most popular. And the red and white color of the radish works particularly well for this unusual Christmas celebration.
Each year the festival becomes more popular attracting over one hundred contestants and thousands of visitors. The creativity of the carved radishes and the art of the corn husks become more and more spectacular leading to a high sense of anticipation among the public who come to view this amazing annual festival in Oaxaca.
The Radish Festival now includes competitions for works made with dried corn husks and dried flowers called the "flor immortal" (immortal flower) which is named as it dries quickly and keeps most of its color. The themes are similar to those which are created with radishes.
Thank you for joining me in my blog "journey" to the Radish and Corn Husk festival of Oaxaca and until next time, wishing you well wherever your travels may take you. Saludos, Laura
RADISH AND CORN HUSK FESTIVAL OAXACA, MEXICO
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Hermana, I shall never see radishes in the same light. Interesting and unique! Guillermo
ReplyDeleteLeave it to your hermana to find something unique and hopefully interesting.
ReplyDeletewow all of this is so cool! Thank you Mamacita for sharing! Blessings to you:)
ReplyDeleteWonderful. I’ve never seen the radish Festival, but I’ve always wanted to. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteDe nada amiga. I am so pleased that you have scheduled another of your fabulous trips to Morocco. Looking forward to seeing the camels!
ReplyDelete