Two major marches commemorating International Women’s Day (Día Internacional de la Mujer) will draw thousands of participants to Guadalajara on the afternoon of Saturday, March 8, bringing the city center to a standstill.
A huge turnout is expected for Int’l Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8.
In recent years, the Guadalajara marches have gained attention for their fervor, which has occasionally led to acts of violence, often targeting public and private buildings along the routes. Temporary street closures are typically implemented from early afternoon to accommodate the marches.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus announced that approximately 1,200 police officers—the majority of them women—will oversee the marches. He also stated that metal barriers, previously used to protect public buildings, will not be erected this year, adding that female officers will form a protective shield around buildings such as the Palacio de Gobierno and Congreso del Estado.
Lemus expressed confidence that the marchers will be respectful and not cause damage.
Participants often carry signs and posters addressing a variety of issues, including femicide, workplace discrimination, abortion rights, and access to healthcare. The marches typically begin and end with speeches and artistic performances.
Both groups will conclude their marches in central Guadalajara.
The “Frente Feminista de Jalisco” group will depart at 4 p.m. from the Glorieta de las y los Desaparecidos (Missing Persons or Niños Heroes Monument), proceeding along Avenida Chapultepec and then Avenida Vallarta-Juárez to the Plaza de Armas.
Meanwhile, the “Yo voy 8 de marzo” group will start at 5 p.m. from the Glorieta La Minerva, also traveling along Avenida Vallarta-Juárez before finishing at the Plaza Liberación.