Do you have a craving for creativity? How about originality? And uniqueness?
Well, if it is creativity you are looking for, you might want to check out a town in Mexico. Oaxaca in Mexico has their own bizarre way of showing off their creative side by decorating their Christmas centerpieces with a carved-radish. That white thing that grows at your backyard? Yes, that radish. This tradition of carving radish is known as Noche de Rabanosor Night of the Radishes.
It seems that this exceptional preparation has been a tradition from centuries. The tradition started with some merchants many years ago, who have found a great way of fascinating potential buyers to the town plaza, also known as zocolo.
They skillfully carve their radish to a particular design and sell it to people. Every design comes from different shapes and sizes. Some radishes are so meticulously carved that more people were amazed.
They were even more surprised that the finish product never looked more of a fruit and more of a masterpiece; thus, on 1897 it was declared to turn the tradition into an official holiday for the radish.
Today, every December 23rd of each year, Noche de Rabanos is being celebrated with people from all ages. They feast their eyes to the magnificent designs created by the artists. From something simple as little figurines to the most peculiar designs every person can think of. A competition is also held every year to show who has the best design and the winner wins a sum of 12,000 pesos as a grand prize. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, everyone can join in. Preparations and design structures were planned already weeks before the event. So, by the time it is already in the plaza, everyone in the neighborhood can enjoy viewing the splendid creations and vote for their favorite artist.
Many people around the world who have witnessed this one of a kind celebration were astonished by its popularity as well. People come together to the town plaza, zocolo, and tried their best to get a glimpse of those well-formed radishes. So, if you ever want to visit this one of a kind gathering, make sure you come in early and expect a load of people.
Though the Noche de Rabanos is one of the highlights of the celebration, unfortunately too much exposure outside causes the radish to turn brown on the edges. Even so, the festivity still continues specially on Christmas Eve. It seems that Mexican’s creativity does not only end with carving radishes but shows more as the event goes on. Colorful floats with vibrant colors and hand crafts from local churches excite the streets of Mexico by day, and a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the dark sky by night. Surely Mexicans do know how to party and captured the hearts of the people by its unique way of holding a celebration but we should always bear in mind the true essence of Christmas and that is giving love and joy to those around us.