Street Sweeper's Viral Song Lands Him Major Concert Gig

A 23-year-old former street sweeper is about to share the stage with Latin Grammy winners at one of Mexico's largest cultural events. Macario Martínez will perform his first major solo concert on January 28 at the León State Fair, a milestone that seemed impossible just a year ago.

Martínez was working in sanitation for Mexico City when he recorded "Sueña lindo, corazón" ("Sweet dreams, sweetheart"). The song went viral with more than 14 million views, transforming his life overnight.

Now he's scheduled to perform alongside Paloma Morphy, who won the 2025 Latin Grammy for best new artist, and indie rock band Little Jesus. Tickets range from $52 to $71, and the concert will take place at Foro del Lago on the Guanajuato state fairgrounds.

The numbers tell the story of his rapid rise. Martínez now has over 300,000 monthly Spotify listeners and his songs appear on more than 37,000 playlists worldwide.

In October, he performed on NPR's celebrated "Tiny Desk Concert" series in Washington, D.C. That appearance brought his music to an international audience and cemented his status as an artist to watch.

The Ripple Effect

The León State Fair has become a destination for world-class talent. Earlier this month, the Foo Fighters packed the 20,000-capacity venue, and upcoming acts include Dutch DJ Tiësto and cumbia legends Los Ángeles Azules.

The fair is celebrating León's 450th anniversary and its own 150th edition this year. More than 6 million visitors are expected, with about 85% of shows and activities free to the public.

Martínez's success has inspired countless working-class Mexicans to pursue their creative dreams. His story proves that viral fame can translate into lasting success when backed by genuine talent and hard work.

The fair runs from January 9 through February 4. For someone who was sweeping streets just 12 months ago, stepping onto that stage will mark the beginning of a whole new chapter.