Documental

CHRISTMAS IN OAXACA
A uniquely Oaxaca expression of de Christmas season is the NOCHE DE RABANOS (Night of the Radishes) on the evening of the December 23rd, on evening in which the zocalo becomesthe scene of a huge exhibition of figures sculpted from radishes. Often these figures are in scenes of the birth of Jesus or other scenes expressing the history and culture of oaxacans. A contest isheld with everyone vying for the first prize and having their picture in the morning paper.
Extremely large radishes are carved into elaborated scenes and figures and placed on display around the zocaloalong with scenes of figures in the ¨flor immortal¨ (immortal flower: brightly colored, dried straw flowers) and ¨totomoxtle¨ (Corn husks). The radishes used are heavy, long ones, seemingly withoutgrace, but you will be amazed, for instance, to see the skirt of a dancing figure fashioned out of just the red peel and perforated like eyelet lace. The zocalo has a radiant canopy of Christmas lightsand in the late afternoon of the 23rd, crowds of townsfolk and tourists begin to flow into the central square, apparently from nowhere. They patiently form cues to pass slowly in front of thecompetitors stands that have been erected all around the zocalo.
You´ll find religious tableaux, village scenes, historical events, mythical tales--- subjects of art you might find around the world. Butthese themes are expressed in carved radishes!
For the annual night of the radishes, the humble plants are transformed into saints and conquistadors, the infant Jesus and Virgin Mary. There are animals,dancers, even the revolutionary hero Emiliano Zapata.
Once these master radish artists have finished with their carving, and thoughts of supper have vanished.
These are not the little roundradishes we enjoy in a salad. These blank canvases, ready for artistic expressions, are long, thick skinned, and grow up to two feet in length and weigh as much as five to ten pounds. Its contorted shape...