Relatives of femicide victims and families of missing persons led the International Women’s Day march in Guadalajara, demanding justice for thousands of women affected by gender violence.
At least 38,000 women participated in the March 8 demonstration, most dressed, or with accessories, in either purple or green. Purple is a global symbol of feminism and women’s rights, while green represents the fight for reproductive rights.
Many marchers carried handmade signs displaying various messages, but the predominant one was clear: stop violence against women.
Gender violence remains one of the most pressing issues in Mexico. In 2024, the country registered 839 femicides, according to federal government data, and more than 28,000 women are still missing, according to the National Registry of Missing Persons.
The march began at the Minerva Glorieta and proceeded along Vallarta/Juárez avenues to Plaza Liberation in the city center. As in previous years, some participants sprayed graffiti on properties and broke windows of businesses. As the marchers passed the Nuestra Señora del Carmen church, they encountered a human chain of Catholic women surrounding the building, holding hands to prevent any damage. However, when the marchers reached the city center, a few broke through the blockade at the Metropolitan Cathedral and painted dozens of slogans on the outside of the historic building.
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Guadalajara said the Cathedral suffered “unprecedented damage,” calling the vandalism “reprehensible” and the worst he had ever seen. He called on state authorities to change their policy and enforce the law during demonstrations to sanction those responsible for property damage and misconduct. No arrests were reported during the March 8 demonstration, despite the vandalism.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus expressed regret over the damage, emphasizing that religious buildings must be respected. He added that he would consider applying anti-graffiti paint to public buildings in Guadalajara in the future.