The night of the radishes 2025 in oaxaca: tradition and history
The Night of the Radishes 2025 in Oaxaca: tradition, history, and how to get there by road
The Night of the Radishes is one of Oaxaca’s most iconic festivities, celebrated every December 23 in the city’s main square. This centuries-old tradition combines art, culture, and gastronomy, offering a unique experience that reflects the region’s cultural richness.
If you enjoy road trips, planning one to Oaxaca will let you experience the diversity of landscapes and communities in southern Mexico up close. If you don’t have your own vehicle, consider Hertz México car rental. You can rent a car and start your journey.
What is the origin and history of the Night of the Radishes?
The tradition of the Night of the Radishes dates back to colonial times, when local farmers used radishes to attract buyers’ attention at the Christmas market. Over time, this practice evolved, and in 1897 it became an official contest where participants create carved radish figures competing in different categories.
The radishes used in this festival are specially grown for the event. The municipal government designates plots near Parque Tequio to ensure their size and quality. These radishes can reach up to 50 centimeters long and weigh more than 3 kilograms, making them the perfect canvas for artisans’ creativity.
The celebration has expanded to include other materials like totomoxtle (corn husks) and everlasting flowers, allowing more complex figures that depict scenes of daily life and Oaxaca’s cultural richness.
What to expect from the 2025 edition
The 2025 edition will take place on Monday, December 23, in Oaxaca’s Zócalo (main square). Over a hundred artists are expected to compete with their radish sculptures in categories such as radish figures, corn husk, everlasting flower, and mixed sculptures.
The sculptures range from Nativity scenes to Oaxacan daily life representations such as Guelaguetza, calendas, and Day of the Dead. Each work showcases the talent and creativity of local artisans.
The event usually begins in the afternoon and continues into the night, when special lighting enhances the colors and details of the figures. In addition to the contest, there are craft stalls, traditional food, and cultural exhibitions. If you’re arriving from other cities and don’t have a vehicle, renting a car is the best way to move comfortably and make the most of the event.
How to get to Oaxaca by road
Oaxaca is well connected by road, making access easy from various parts of Mexico. Planning a road trip allows you to enjoy a cultural journey that blends mountain landscapes, charming towns, and culinary stops.
From Mexico City
If you’re traveling from the Mexican capital, the distance to Oaxaca is about 460 km, with a driving time of 6–7 hours via Federal Highway 190. The route crosses mountains and valleys with scenic views and stops in towns like Huajuapan de León or Nochixtlán. With car rental in CDMX, you can plan the trip freely, adjusting stops and schedules to your preferences.
From Veracruz
If you’re leaving from Veracruz, the trip to Oaxaca covers about 500 km and takes 6–7 hours along Federal Highway 145. On this route, you can explore the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and visit indigenous communities along the way, turning the drive into a cultural experience. By renting a car in Veracruz, you can detour to nearby towns or stop to enjoy the landscape and food without relying on public transport.
From Puebla
If you’re coming from Puebla, the distance to Oaxaca is about 340 km, taking 4–5 hours via Federal Highway 190 and the Cuacnopalan–Oaxaca toll road. This route crosses mountains and valleys with natural landscapes and stops in towns like Tehuacán or Huajuapan de León. With car rental in Puebla, you can organize your itinerary flexibly, explore hidden spots, and make detours to nearby attractions.
What else to do during the Night of the Radishes 2025
The Night of the Radishes isn’t limited to the Zócalo. You can also explore other tourist attractions in and around the city.
20 de Noviembre Market: a must-visit for food lovers. Here you can taste freshly made tlayudas, toasted chapulines (grasshoppers), and artisanal mezcals while immersing yourself in Oaxaca’s local life.
Santo Domingo Temple: a Baroque masterpiece known for its architecture, intricate decoration, and rich history. Nearby, the Ethnobotanical Garden showcases native flora and the ancestral relationship between communities and their environment.
Monte Albán: an archaeological site a few kilometers from the city center and easily accessible by car. It’s a must for history and archaeology enthusiasts. Driving there lets you fit the visit and the festival into the same day.
San Bartolo Coyotepec and San Martín Tilcajete crafts: nearby towns famous for black clay pottery and colorful alebrijes. During the holiday season, many workshops open their doors to visitors interested in the creative process and cultural craftsmanship.
Historic center walks: beyond the Zócalo, Oaxaca’s streets offer cafés, galleries, and artisan shops that enrich your visit. Combine the Night of the Radishes with museum visits, viewpoints, and traditional neighborhoods for a full cultural and culinary journey through the city and its surroundings.
Remember, you can also rent a car in Oaxaca to explore the surrounding areas without relying on public transport. Having your own vehicle makes it easier to visit nearby towns and return to the city center in time for the event.
The Night of the Radishes 2025 is more than a vegetable-carving contest—it’s a reflection of Oaxaca’s art, history, and identity. If you’re planning to attend, combining the festival with a road trip lets you experience the region fully. Start planning your journey with Hertz México!