The Night of the Radishes (Noche de Los Rábanos) is observed in the Mexican city of Oaxaca every December 23. This annual festival features a competition where participants carve oversized radishes into various scenes, a tradition that dates back to the mid-18th century when monks discovered unusually large radishes left unharvested. The festival began as a way for local farmers to attract customers at the Christmas market, and in 1897, a formal competition was established. Today, radishes are cultivated specifically for the event, reaching sizes up to 50 cm long and 10 cm wide, although they are virtually inedible. Contestants receive their radishes on December 18 and have five days to prepare their carvings, which often depict religious themes, local history, and folklore. The competition draws over 100 participants and thousands of spectators each year.