Oaxaca - Independence day 2007 - a sign?

INDEPENDENCE DAY NIGHT IN OAXACA, 2007

The evening and night of September 15, 2007, marked a return to normalcy for Oaxaca and its citizenry. Many will recall that there were no festivities, there was no grito, and in fact there was nothing to celebrate the same time last year. This year, last night, was a sight to behold, if nothing else than to remind tourists and Oaxacans alike that this is what Oaxaca is all about, how the city has traditionally been portrayed in the tour books and online, and throughout the world community for decades. Throngs packed the zócalo, alameda, and in fact all downtown streets. Bands played, the governor shouted “viva” on cue, and fireworks lit up the sky. Bars were packed with youths. Cafés lining the zócalo could not accommodate those wanting to sit, watch, revel and wait for the marching bands, float, shiny motorcycles and dignitaries marching around the square. Oaxaca, it would seem, will be one of the beneficiaries of the ongoing talks at the federal level regarding transparencia, or public accountability, until now admittedly woefully lacking here and in other states. And so perhaps last night marked but a sign of better times to come for our State. The populace seemed to have sensed something positive in the air, aside from the passage of another year of independence. Alvin Starkman - Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast

Oaxaca Benefit Fine Art Auction

BENEFIT FINE ART AUCTION IN OAXACA, OCTOBER 27

The Oaxaca Lending Library is holding its second art auction, with more than 120 works by renowned Oaxacan masters being offered, including pieces by Ruben Leyva, Maximino Javier, Sergio Hernandez and Juan Alcazar. The silent auction, followed by the live auction, give both novice collectors and art aficionados an opportunity to bid with gallery owners from Mexico City and abroad. The Library supports programs such as Libros Para Pueblos (maintaining over 20 school libraries throughout the state), scholarships for a midwifery program, and memberships, housing and educational support for local students.) Preview: October 26th, 2 – 8 pm and day of sale. Reception and auctions: October 27th, from 6 pm
Online viewing from October 11th at:
http://www.oaxlibrary.com/2007ArtAuction_1.htm
For further information email: library@oaxlibrary.com