Released on: November 21, 2007, 6:36 pm

Press Release Author: Weena Carullo/Direct With Hotels, Ltd.

Industry: Entertainment

Press Release Summary: In Oaxaca, Mexico, people celebrate Christmas by holding the
Night of the Radishes, a unique festival which happens every 23rd of December.

Press Release Body: Christmas in Oaxaca, Mexico is quite different from the usual
Christmas celebration done in most parts of the world. Snowmen, sleighs, and
Christmas stockings are not part of the scene in this side of town, especially
during the days leading to Christmas Day. Instead, what anyone can see is a whole
lot of radishes!

In Oaxaca, Christmas means a celebration of the end of the harvest season. And the
people of Oaxaca celebrate this by holding the Night of the Radishes - a popular
annual festival that showcases the best harvested radishes sculpted in different
shapes and sizes.

Every 23rd of December, Oaxacans and curious tourists gather at the Zocalo - also
known as the Constitution Square - where local artisans display their best radishes
crafted into the shape of animals, dancers, saints, kings, and conquerors. Tableaux
of the Nativity, historical events, pastoral scenes, and mythical tales are also
depicted.

Families join in the fun of carving the radishes as well and children are taught of
the craft on the day of the festival itself through children's workshops. Nearby
cafés are packed with onlookers and bystanders eager to take part in the
festivities. Children throw hollowed eggs filled with confetti on passersby and on
each other, adding to the festive atmosphere. Contests are held for the best
sculpted radishes and winners are announced in the evening. A firework display ends
the celebration and locals return on December 24 for a parade of colorful floats
designed by the local churches. December 25th is reserved for a grand fiesta with
more fireworks, music, and dancing.

Spending Christmas in Oaxaca is one unique way of celebrating the Yuletide season
apart from the usual. Oaxaca is one of the places in Mexico with a rich cultural
history as can be seen in its architecture, archeological sites, and museums. It is
the perfect place for seasoned vacationers to spend the holidays.

Oaxaca's main industry is tourism and there are numerous lodging houses and
accommodations found in the area that cater to tourists. One of these is Hacienda La
Noria - a budget hotel located in the center of Oaxaca. Hacienda La Noria Hotel
provides very affordable rooms for both holidaymakers and those in town for
business. It is conveniently located ten blocks away from the Zocalo - the venue of
the Night of the Radishes.

For more information about this hotel, visit: www.haciendalanoria.com.


###

About Hacienda La Noria Hotel

Hacienda La Noria Hotel is the ideal vacation spot for vacationers and business
executives because of its picturesque setting and serene atmosphere. Its colonial
structure houses 81 well-appointed rooms with the necessary amenities for the
guests' convenience. It is centrally located in Oaxaca, Mexico.


Web Site: http://www.haciendalanoria.com

Contact Details: Hacienda La Noria
Av. Eduardo Mata #1918
Oaxaca, Oax. 68120, Mexico

International Phone: +11 52 951 514 7555
Fax No.: +11 52 951 516 5347
Email: hacienda@lanoria.com.mx