Tuesday morning, from the plaza in front of the Basilica de la Soledad, the sound of speeches, music, and explosions announced Día del Barrendero — a day celebrating the founding of the Sindicato Independiente 3 de Marzo. These are the street sweepers, garbage collectors, and laborers of Oaxaca.
Earlier in the morning, a procession brought union members, their families, and friends from Cinco Señores to the Basílica, where a special mass was celebrated to honor the patron saint of Oaxaca, la Virgen de la Soledad. Raul, a lifelong street sweeper whose work day begins at 3 AM, is quoted as explaining, “We have to thank our mother, the Virgin of Soledad, for the blessings every day gives us.”
March 3rd — brought to you by the gals and guys who keep the city clean.
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View From Casita Colibrí 
Shannon, this is right up my alley!
I just need to wear a more colorful
outfit as I clean up snooty Sausalito!
You would think the “hip” would remember not to litter!
Also I could always get a job there, which gives me hope, I do have experience! Oaxaca is so colorful❌⭕️
Maybe the “hip” need to be wooed with band, flowers, and fireworks. 😉
I am staying in Oaxaca on Independencia and keep hearing music. How do you know when there is an event? Do you just stumble upon them? Is it safe for a single woman to go out at night in this area?
For events, check out posters on the streets and at churches, Oaxaca Calendar , and you can look through my blog’s Archives by month and year for annual activities. And, you can also just follow the music! Oaxaca is pretty safe at night. You should avoid dark and deserted streets and parks and, always be aware of your surroundings. If alone, I try to be home by 9 PM, unless there is some big event (Noche de Rabanos, Christmas Eve, Muertos, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, etc.), where the streets are filled with people.
Que Pasa Oaxaca.com is a great website for local music and art events
Thanks, Bev! It’s another good resource.