Christmas in Oaxaca
The Magical Night of the Radishes
December 18-27, 2019
Photo Workshop with Jo Brenzo & Dan Burkholder
Known for its delicious cuisine, traditional costumes, skilled artisans, ancient ruins and natural wonders, Oaxaca hosts a unique Christmas tradition, The Night of the Radishes, dating back to 1897. Born from community and faith, this exclusive event is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike in a setting of anticipation and joy.
Whether your camera of choice is an iPhone, Mirrorless or DSLR, Jo and Dan will guide you to fresh and creative options. Classroom sessions throughout the workshop will offer image reviews and valuable image editing lessons for those using both laptops and iPhones or iPads.
The Radish Festival is a walk through fantastic displays depicting themes from religion, folklore and pop culture. These radishes, carved by both amateurs and skilled horticulturists, can range from small and intricate to impressively huge.
Whether your camera of choice is an iPhone, Mirrorless or DSLR, Jo and Dan will guide you to fresh and creative options. Classroom sessions throughout the workshop will offer image reviews and valuable image editing lessons for those using both laptops and iPhones or iPads.
The Radish Festival is a walk through fantastic displays depicting themes from religion, folklore and pop culture. These radishes, carved by both amateurs and skilled horticulturists, can range from small and intricate to impressively huge.
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Uniting the Oaxacan community, participants compete by creating intricate designs from radishes grown especially for the festival. From planting and harvesting to carving and displaying, everyone has a vital role.
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On December 23rd, the carvings are displayed from morning to night in the Zócalo, the town square or plaza. Visitors, locals and judges walk through the booths to admire the sculptures shaped like churches, dancers, farmers and animals. In the evening, the winners for each category are announced and prizes are awarded followed by festive fireworks.
Accompanying the Radish Festival, local churches and barrios hold calendas, processions of people carrying torches, followed by huge dancing puppets. Other holiday favorites are posadas, reenactments of Mary and Joseph’s search for a room, and regional folkloric dances. On Christmas Day, the main Plaza once again comes alive with fireworks. |
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We will also explore the craft markets in towns like Ocotlan de Morelos, with its beautiful blue and white church that resembles Wedgewood China. Ocotlan is the hometown of the renowned artist Rodolfo Morales, whose surrealistic work is displayed a museum located in a refurbished convent. We’ll visit the workshop of the famous ceramists, the Aguilar Sisters. Continuing our artists tour, we visit the town of San Martin del Tilcajete, known for its brightly-colored carved wooden sculptures of mythical creatures.
All locations have been chosen for their unique image-making opportunities. Expect a trip full of intriguing sights and all the festive wonders of Oaxaca at Christmas.
All locations have been chosen for their unique image-making opportunities. Expect a trip full of intriguing sights and all the festive wonders of Oaxaca at Christmas.
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Cost for the workshop is $2950 which includes the following:
Not included:
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Reserve your spot today. This special Christmas season trip is a popular time to photograph the wondrous celebrations of Oaxaca.
All participants will receive Dan's and Jo's Preparing for Your Adventure newsletters full of suggestions to help with your equipment decisions and trip preparations. If you have other questions about the trip, give Dan a call at 518-678-7186.
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Jo Brenzo is a fine-art photographer who has exhibited, taught, and curated exhibitions throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Jo owns the Photographic Gallery in San Miguel de Allende, which has become a hub for artists throughout the region. An intrepid traveler, she leads photography workshops throughout Latin America. Jo has a connection with Oaxaca that spans decades.
Dan Burkholder, master photographer, artist and photographic innovator, was one of the first fine art photographers to champion digital technology, developing the digital negative in 1992. Sharing his pivotal methods, Dan has become a unique teacher and mentor for thousands of photographers by bridging the worlds of classic photography with the evolving ing digital era. Dan promotes a lightweight approach to image making where you can shoot with any digital camera that allows you to transfer images to iPhones and iPads. Always ready with a good dose of humor, Dan has led photography groups to a variety of picturesque cultures including Cuba, Peru, Croatia, Romania, Vietnam and Mexico.