Yesterday was another of the “ya just never know…” days. Returning to the city from Xoxocotlán after looking at the house my (soon-to-be-former) neighbor is building, the taxi driver pointed down Independencia and said something that we interpreted as, “day of the garbage collector.” So, instead of going home, my camera and I walked in the direction he pointed and, sure enough, a side street was lined with decorated garbage trucks.
However, this day wasn’t for just any old garbage collectors; being March 3rd, it celebrated the founding of the Sindicato Independiente 3 de Marzo of the municipality of Oaxaca. Depending on which newspaper report one reads, it is either the 34th, 38th, or 39th anniversary.
These are the city workers who keep the state’s capital clean — the garbage collectors, street sweepers, drivers, and laborers. And, the city of Oaxaca IS clean, putting San Francisco to shame! After a Thanksgiving mass, most of the 1,200 “trabajadores de limpia” and their families filled the plaza in front of the Basilica de la Soledad. And, like all good Oaxacan celebrations, there were monos, dancers, marmotas, bands, toritos, and the whistles, whirrs, and booms of fireworks (of the all bang, no bling variety).
So, now you know where to be and what to do next March 3rd!
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View From Casita Colibrí 
Great pics! And who knew about Día de los Basureros?!
Thanks! Let me know when next you are in the city. Love to have you over to the new and, definitely bigger, Casita Colibrí.
Who knew, indeed! Endless surprises…
This is great!
Thanks! Btw, figured out why I wasn’t getting new blog post notices from your blog. Needless to say, my settings have now been changed!
Wonderful pictures and story Shannon! you really make me want to return!
And return, you must! Btw, Thursday night I saw a free surprise performance by Lila Downs at MACO.
Hi Shannon. You likely don’t remember me, but we were part of a DOtD excurision to Mitla a couple of years ago w/ a number of other of Laura O’s students. How I enjoy your blog and photos! Warmest regards, Peter v. (Ask Laura. She’ll remember me to you.)
Peter, of course I remember you and our long conversation on the way to Mitla. I hope all is well with you. When are you returning? Saludos, Shannon