Thousands admire traditional Christmas radish sculptures in Southern Mexico

(24 Dec 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Oaxaca, Mexico - 23 December 2024
1. Wide of attendees looking at sculptures made out of radishes
2. Various of radish figurine of Guelaguetza folklore dancer
3. Various of farmer and craftswoman Isabel de la Cruz spraying water on a Xoloitzcuintle sculpture (mythical dog believed to guide the deceased to the Aztec underworld Micltán)
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4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Isabel de la Cruz, Oaxaca farmer and craftswoman:
"It's quite a long, laborious job, more than anything you need the patience to be able to create it and capture that feeling so that the figure can emerge."
5. Various of sculptures made out of radishes
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6. SOUNDBITE (English) Angie Green, Tourist attending Radish Festival:
⁠⁠"I really have to say I love how there are many references about Oaxaca. You know: the mezcal and the fields with corn and all the Mexicans references in the art."
7. Various of sculptures made out of radish depicting traditional Mexican dishes
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8. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Carlos David Vásquez López, Craftsman Winner of the Radish Festival:
"One of the things that motivates me year after year is that sense of community among family, not only within my immediate family but also in the extended family, including my cousins, my uncles, my aunts, to be able to have that time of healthy coexistence in the main square sharing ideas through the radish and its carving."
9. Various of sculptures made out of radishes
STORYLINE:
Thousands of tourists and local residents crowded a small square in downtown Oaxaca Monday to see traditional Christmas radish sculptures.

The colorful festival, known as the "Noche de Rabanos" or the Night of the Radish, is a 127-year-old tradition that takes place ahead of Christmas Eve.

Talented artisans cut, peel, carve, and grate radishes to create religious scenes or figurines resembling famous characters.

The radishes used in the festival are specially grown for this event, and harvested days in advance.

"It's quite a long, laborious job," said farmer and radish artisan Isabel de la Cruz.

According to local legend, farmers began decorating their vegetable stands with figures carved out of radishes, cauliflower leaves and flowers to attract customers, thus giving birth to the tradition.

The festival also includes a fireworks display, music and dance.


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