On March 4, 2025, Mexico City (CDMX) is bracing for significant disruptions as multiple demonstrations are set to take place across the capital. Local authorities are anticipating one megamarch and six additional rallies, which could heavily impact traffic and commuter schedules.
The primary event, organized by the Movimiento Plural de Comerciantes de Mercados Públicos de la Ciudad de México (MPCMP-CDMX), will include around 300 markets, gathering at key locations starting at 8:00 am. The march demands the complete repeal of guidelines issued on January 9, 2025, which regulate the activities of public markets and impose new digitalization requirements, potentially invaliding their registration documents.
Demonstrators plan to meet at significant spots including:
- Viaducto Metro station (Line 2)
- Hemiciclo a Juárez
- Parque de los Periodistas Ilustres, Avenue Fray Servando Teresa de Mier
- Avenida 20 de Noviembre and República de Uruguay, Colonia Centro Histórico
- Mercado de La Merced
Following their assembly, the route will likely lead to the Secretaría de Gobierno where their grievances can be voiced directly to city officials. A total expected turnout for this march is around 4,000 participants, supported by the Movimiento Nacional por el Rescate de los Mercados Públicos (MNRMP) and Mercados Unidos.
Eight additional protests are also slated for today, including:
- Trabajadores de Participación Ciudadana de la Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo: This group will march at 10:00 am from the Monumento a la Revolución heading to the Zócalo, protesting against unfair dismissals and advocating for the recognition of labor rights, with around 250 participants expected.
- Alianza por un Futuro Mejor, Jubilados y Pensionados de la Ciudad de México: Gathering at 11:00 am at 'Ágora de Tlatelolco', this group seeks increases to pensions linked to minimum wages rather than the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA), expecting about 70 attendees.
- Cultura Sin Tortura Estado y Ciudad de México: Meeting at 3:30 pm at the Zócalo, this protest will support the initiative to ban public shows with animals. They expect 50 participants.
- Grupo de Acción por los Derechos Humanos y la Justicia Social: This group will be at Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco during the day, searching for missing persons with participation estimated at 30.
- Sobrevivientes de Feminicidio: They will be active at the Reclusorio Preventivo Varonil Oriente throughout the day, demanding justice for victims of domestic violence, with approximately 20 individuals involved.
- Cycling Events: Later, cyclist groups will hold events, including 'Rodando con Dinosaurios' and 'Aztecas,' both starting at 8:30 pm with varying routes and participant sizes.
Given the high volume of expected demonstrators, significant traffic disruptions are anticipated particularly on major thoroughfares such as Avenida Juárez, Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas, Avenida 5 de Mayo, and many others leading to the city center. The Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana has advised all commuters to avoid the areas around major march routes and prepare for possible delays.
Possible alternative routes and detours have been established, which include the Circuito Interior and Eje 2 Poniente, to help mitigate the impact of these planned mobilizations.
Throughout the day, updates on the gatherings, including images captured by the C5 situational awareness system, will be shared with the public to keep citizens informed and prepared.
With every segment of society mobilizing to voice their concerns, the echoes of today’s demonstrations signify the pressing need for dialogue and resolution to the issues faced by different community segments across the city.