Since 1897, the people of Oaxaca, Mexico have piled onto their Zocolo, or main city square, to celebrate the Christmas season with a Radish Carving Competition. That's right. Radish Carving Competition.
Some very talented artists spend the day on December 23 with a pile of red vegetables and a knife. They create amazing sculptures, put them on display, and stand back while thousands of people and judges stream by to choose the best.
Originally, the subject matter was religious and historical --- nativity scenes and the like.
The tradition has expanded to include all kinds of subjects.
And there are other categories for people who prefer something different - like corn husks or flowers.
Just in case you forget where you are, the city of Oaxaca provides a handy sign to pose in front of.
Oh, and nearly everyone we encountered was Mexican, or at least spoke Spanish as their primary language. Not much English was heard among the radishes. Noche de Rabanos is a local and totally rad tradition.
It gets put away as fast as it got put together. Here's what the Zocolo looked like the day BEFORE, as workmen built the wooden displays.
And here is what the Zocolo looked like the day AFTER the Noche de Rabanos.
