On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Mexico City will witness significant demonstrations for International Women's Day, with crowds gathering at the Zócalo after departing from various points throughout the city. This annual event aims to advocate for women's rights and gender equality, bringing thousands together to make their voices heard.
A key operational aspect to be mindful of is the implementation of the 'Hoy No Circula' program, which is aimed at reducing vehicle emissions and pollutants. This program will be strictly enforced across the 16 mayoralties of Mexico City, as well as 18 surrounding municipalities within the State of Mexico, where restrictions will apply on this day.
The 'Hoy No Circula' program is active from 05:00 to 22:00, during which vehicles with specified license plate restrictions will not be allowed to circulate. For March 8, those affected include cars with hologram 1 and license plates ending with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, and 0). These measures are taken to minimize traffic and pollution, especially on such a significant day for mobilization.
Exempt from these restrictions are vehicles displaying holograms 0 and 00, which may circulate freely at any time. Likewise, vehicles belonging to health sector personnel, including ambulances, as well as those registered under disability plates, electric vehicles, and other specific transport vehicles dedicated to urban services, school transport, or public safety, will also be allowed to operate without restrictions.
Notably, there will be no double 'Hoy No Circula' implemented on this day due to the acceptable air quality levels recorded on the previous day, March 7, 2025. The environmental commission confirmed the status, meaning residents should not face greater restrictions beyond the usual parameters of the program.
The core idea of 'Hoy No Circula' is not merely to enforce rules but to encourage citizens to leave their cars at home and opt for alternative transportation. By doing so, participants contribute to the reduction of atmospheric contamination, which has been recognized as increasingly harmful to public health. Fines for violating these circulation restrictions can range from 1,924.40 pesos to 2,886.60 pesos, amounting to 20 to 30 times the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA), highlighting the city’s commitment to sustaining environmental efforts.
Residents are advised to plan accordingly, especially if they intend to join the demonstrators at the Zócalo. With many vehicles restricted, public transport will be more important than ever. The joint efforts of citizens on this day highlight not just the fight for women’s rights but also the collective responsibility to address environmental concerns.
Overall, March 8 will not only be about the demonstration itself but the intersection of social justice and environmental activism. Both movements gain strength when communities come together, with each voice amplifying the other’s call for change.