The radish was brought to the Americas in the 16th century and back then the vendors used to carve them and use them on their market stalls to attract customers. Although the origins of the festival cannot be traced to an exact period, it is considered that it all began in the year 1897, when the mayor of the city organized the first radish-art exposition and ever since that first celebration, every year, this humble vegetable is meticulously carved into animals, warriors, kings, dancers and pretty much any form you can imagine. The artists sometimes make use of other vegetables, like onion or lettuce to complete their work. There’s also a prize for the most beautiful piece displayed.
The carver’s work begins with about three days in advance and on the 23rd of December, the day of the festival, the results of all their hard work is presented to the public. On that same day, especially in the morning, children have the chance to learn this incredible art of radish-carving,or at least some of it’s secrets.
The celebrations don’t end that day. They continue on Christmas Eave and Christmas Day with other joyful “fiestas”, parades of floats, fireworks music and dancing.