Each December 23rd, the city of Oaxaca, Mexico, bursts to life with a vibrant, flavorful celebration: Noche de Rábanos, or the Night of the Radishes. This unique festival is a feast for the senses, where radishes—yes, radishes!—become intricate works of art. What began in the 16th century as a clever way for farmers to attract holiday shoppers by carving whimsical designs into their produce (proof that farmers have always been creative innovators) has grown into a cherished cultural event. Today, artisans craft elaborate radish sculptures depicting everything from nativity scenes and mythical creatures to moments of daily life in Oaxaca.
celebrating organic root vegetables
At Happy Dirt, we love how this celebration shines a spotlight on root vegetables, particularly during the winter season when organic root vegetables thrive. Here in North Carolina, while most of our organic fields rest and rejuvenate under cover crops, organic root vegetables like radishes, purple top turnips, and carrots take center stage. These hearty crops flourish in the cool soils of the season, and thanks to the dedication of our farmer-partners, they’re not only packed with nutrients from the healthy organic soils and delicious but also beautiful in their own right.
It’s this shared love of organic root vegetables—and the creativity they inspire—that makes us feel connected to the Night of the Radishes. In its honor, we’re sharing a playful, festive poem inspired by this dazzling event and its connection to the holiday spirit. So, grab a cup of hot tea, picture the glowing zócalo in Oaxaca, and enjoy our twist on a classic holiday tale:
'Twas the Night of the Radishes
‘Twas the night of the radishes, and all through the square,
The townsfolk had gathered to see art beyond compare.
The markets were buzzing with laughter and cheer,
As Oaxaca prepared for its grandest night of the year.
The radishes lay on the tables with care,
Awaiting their fate in the cool evening air.
With knives in their hands, the carvers took seat,
Their visions of wonder about to compete.
When out in the plaza there arose such a shout,
I turned to my neighbor and said, “What’s this about?”
Away to the center, I dashed with the throng,
Through the scent of hot chocolate and the sound of a song.
The lanterns cast light on the shimmering scene,
A world carved in radishes, vibrant and keen.
There were dancers mid-spin, a church bell’s great tower,
Each detail exact, revealing skill and great power.
Saints stood in rows with their faces aglow,
And devils with tails put on a bold show.
A grand celebration of culture and land,
All made from radishes, each shaped by hand.
The carvers, their faces both focused and bright,
Worked late into darkness with no end in sight.
They sculpted traditions, from story to lore,
In radishes gleaming with secrets to explore.
And there at the center, a voice called the crowd:
“Behold these creations—our culture so proud!
Oaxacan spirit lives in these fleeting displays,
A testament carved to honor our days.”
The judges paraded through each vivid stall,
While children in wonder admired it all.
Though radishes fade, their magic is clear,
For one shining night, their beauty draws near.
And I heard them proclaim as the festival closed tight:
“Happy Radish to all, and to all a bright night!”
This holiday season, let’s celebrate the resilience of organic root vegetables and the creativity they inspire, whether in a carving, on a plate, or straight from the field.
