Mexico is one of the countries that I really want to get back to and spend some more time in at some point in the not-so-distant future. On my trip around the world, I went straight to Mexico City to meet up with friends there, so I missed more than half the country right there. Although I met a really nice stranger in the bus station in Mexico City, I don’t feel like I really got to experience the local culture that well.
One of my favorite towns that I did get to hit was Oaxaca. I was there right before Christmas so I luckily stumbled into a totally unique festival: the Night of the Radishes. Yep, you heard that right — radishes.
the odd radish displays on the square
For me, odd things like this present a perfect example of why one should travel to Oaxaca, or any other city that has things like this going on. I love oddities, and the Night of the Radishes… right up there in my book.
The Night of the Radishes only happens on one night a year, December 23rd and it is one of the odder things you are going to run into on the road. The event consists of an exhibition of sculptures made from a type of large red radish that are especially grown for this event, left in the ground for months after the normal harvests to let them attain their giant size and unusual shapes.
afternoon festivities in the main square
The sculptures are made by locals, some of the who grow there own radishes. Themes include complete nativity scenes, party scenes with dozens of figures, Baile Folklorico, models of real buildings built with much detail, and saints.
I am telling you, it is weird, odd, and completely cool and fun.
When I was a bit further down in the south of Mexico from here, I had a great day on a quick local tour of Mayan culture in the San Cristobal area, including experiencing a church where the people worship Coca-Cola and use live chickens for worship. Let’s just say there is plenty to explore in the southern part of this great country and that I need to get back for a few months of exploration…. at least.
So if you are going to take a Mexico holiday, I can suggest that you head on down there before Christmas and enjoy some of the strangeness that you will only find in that part of southern Mexico.
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Michael, If you were told that you had to move to Mexico (permanent residence only, you would still be able to continue your RTW travel), which city would you choose?
I am selling my house, having garage sales, sorting what I will store and what I’m taking and I still don’t know where I’m going to land when I get to MX! I have friends in San Miquel and in the Lake Chapala area both of which have lots of expats. I love Guadalajara because there is so much to do but it is a huge city where it might be difficult to make friends. Then there is Salvatierra which is more of a true Mexican city with a modest population but enough amenities for a yank. I ruled out the beaches due to the humidity; I can’t abide it. Recently someone suggested Oaxaca saying that the climate would suit me, the city is nice and people friendly. See my dilemma?
I don’t nearly have enough experience in Mexico to answer. I really loved the towns in the south, but that being said, I didn’t hit the coast or the north. I was really flying through. I need to go back and spend 3 or so months just living there. Right now http://www.wanderingearl.com is living near Cancun — you might want to ask him or also ask http://www.overyonderlust.com who spent a ton of time recently in Mexico.
Nice. Weird festivals are the best ones.
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totally agree with you — I love weird!
Nice and weird, love it. In my hometown we have festivals “sagra” for every king of veggies, but not a night devoted to them in some kind of worshiping way.. It’s amazing how many cultures are in the world..
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Originally I read that as sangria… and I wanted an invite to your hometown
I missed most of Mexico as well on my current Latin America trip. I went to Puerto Vallarta for my friend’s wedding and then flew to Mexico City for 5 days. I have met travelers that spent several months exploring Mexico. I definitely want to go back to see (and eat) more.
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I feel totally the same way. I think I might do Mexico for like 2-3 months in 2012 at some point. Really interesting country.
Italians are famous for their festas, but I’ve never heard of a radish celebration. Must be basis for some cultural export;)
Don’t get me wrong… I am up for ANY invite to any festival in Italy. Perhaps my #1 country choice for my future home.
This is so weird, love it!!! Would never imagine anything like that.:) Humans are always full of surprises…
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coming from someone that spent so many months in Egypt, which is coolly weird sometimes, that is saying a lot!
This seems like it belongs somewhere in a Monty Python skit.
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totally! Perfect comment — wish I’d have thought of it.
Mexican night of radishes sounds like a RIDICULOUS festival. Everyone knows that radishes should only be celebrated during the day!
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you crack me up — well played, Sir.
Do they eat the sculptures when they’re finished?
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I actually think they do. I didn’t know it was just one night, so I showed up the next night to take pictures and the whole thing was gone.
wow – that is awesome! I love Oaxaca as well and would love to stumble upon the Radish festival. That sounds pretty cool.
Yea, I want to go back. Such a cool city.
I love Oaxaca, is a magical city with the perfect wheather whole year.
I think I might do Mexico for like 2-3 months in 2012 at some point. Perhaps my #1 country choice for my future home. totally! Do they eat the sculptures when they’re finished?
totally! I have friends in San Miquel and in the Lake Chapala area both of which have lots of expats. Do they eat the sculptures when they’re finished? Recently someone suggested Oaxaca saying that the climate would suit me, the city is nice and people friendly.
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