On March 8, 2025, the city of Guadalajara will see the gathering of large crowds celebrating International Women's Day through two significant marches aimed at advocating for gender equality and women's rights. This year, the mobilizations come under the themes of empowerment and safety for women, continuing to build upon previous years' efforts.
The Jalisco Vial Police are preparing for this major event by deploying 450 female officers, as well as 18 motorcycle patrols, 10 additional patrol vehicles, and six tow trucks to help maintain safety and organization during the festivities. The police department will also work with the Secretary of Transportation to manage road closures and adjust public transport routes to accommodate the expected crowds.
The first of the two marches, known as "Florecemos desde las resistencias," is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM, with participants gathering at the Glorieta de la Minerva. This mobilization will travel along Avenida Vallarta, concluding at Plaza Liberación. Echoing the United Nations' theme for this year, "Para todas las mujeres y niñas: derechos. Igualdad. Empoderamiento," the march aims to highlight women's rights and call for equality.
Simultaneously, another march organized by various feminist groups, named "Yo Voy 8M," will kick off at 4:30 PM from the Glorieta de los Niños Héroes, also referred to as the Glorieta de las y los Desaparecidos. This protest will head toward the Antimonumenta at Plaza de Armas, where demonstrators hope to draw attention to issues such as violence against women and the importance of governmental accountability.
To facilitate both events, multiple road closures will take place, beginning as early as 3:00 PM. Streets affected include Paseo Chapultepec, Avenida Vallarta, Avenida Juárez, Paseo Alcalde, and Avenida Hidalgo, which will be closed up to Plaza Liberación. These closures are anticipated to cause significant traffic disruptions, prompting city officials to advise cautious travel plans.
Alternative routes have been suggested for commuters to minimize inconvenience during this period. Options include using Calzada Independencia if traveling through Federalismo or Enrique Díaz de León, or taking Circunvalación Agustín Yáñez along with Avenida Inglaterra. Local streets like Calle San Felipe and Calle Garibaldi, which run parallel to Avenida Vallarta, may also serve as effective detours for those trying to avoid congested areas.
Authorities encourage the public to remain informed and follow official communication channels for any updates related to road conditions and march timings. By adhering to recommended precautions and being mindful of the changes throughout the city, citizens can help facilitate smoother operations during this day of national significance.
The Jalisco Vial Police is reminding everyone to pay attention to the instructions from traffic authorities as the marches progress. They want to underline the importance of recognizing the underlying motives of these demonstrations—proposing conversations and policies to empower all women and girls.
This year’s marches are set to be both impactful and large-scale, as women from all walks of life unite to demand their rights and advocate for broader societal changes. Participants are hopeful about the strong turnout and the messages they will collectively present, emphasizing the necessity for equality and justice.