HEARTY THANKS AND WISHES FOR GOOD HEALTH FROM FOFA
We send our hearty thanks and wishes for good health in the New Year to our supporters. In celebration of your generosity, we transport you to Oaxaca by sharing images of an inspiring Oaxacan custom – Night of the Radishes -- that takes place at the beginning of the holiday season.
Village scene carved in radishes
 
Night of the Radishes in Oaxaca
Since 1897, a very special folk art-related event takes place annually on December 23rd in the zocalo (town square) in Oaxaca City. The Night of the Radishes (Noches de los rabanos) features a display of captivating scenes created with carvings of oversized radishes that are specially bred for the occasion. The artisans who carve them compete for prizes in various categories.
Detail of Guelaguetza Dancers carved in radishes

Drawing upon Oaxaca’s longstanding wood carving tradition, farmers began carving radishes – introduced by the Spanish in colonial times -- into figures to attract customers’ attention at the Christmas market held in the main square on December 23. The event is very popular, attracting over 100 contestants and thousands of visitors.

Since the radishes wilt soon after they are cut, figures carved from them can only be displayed for a number of hours, resulting in very long lines for those wishing to see them.
Detail of procession carved in radishes

Figures made from cornhusks (totomoxtle) and dried flowers (flores inmortales) are also displayed and entered in simultaneous competitions. Three winners are chosen from each category and awarded with cash prizes.
Guelaguetza Dancers made from corn husks
Chinas Oaxaqueñas created from colored corn husks
Church and embroidered blouse created from corn husks
Angels and processional decorations created from dried flowers
Artisanal family working created from dried flowers

Some participants in the young artists’ contests sponsored by FOFA, in collaboration with Oaxaca State’s Museum of Popular Art (Museo Estatal de Arte Popular, MEAPO) are seen participating in the Night of the Radishes competition.
Monserrat Raymundo Sánchez (FOFA-MEAPO’s honorable mention recipient in 2013, 2016, 2018 contests) and her mother
Moisés Ruíz Sosa (FOFA-MEAPO’s Winner in Varios, 2016; Honorable mention in Varios, 2013) and his mother


SEASONS GREETINGS FROM FOFA!
Please consider supporting FOFA's ongoing efforts to enable talented young Oaxacan folk artists to achieve their dreams and maintain sustainable livelihoods.

For a comprehensive look at FOFA's programs, visit our website at: www.fofa.us
Thank you!

www.fofa.us 718-859-1515 info@fofa.us
275 Central Park West, #1-C New York, New York 10024