Long queues at Zócalo access point amid CNTE protest in Mexico City

Access to Mexico City's Zócalo, the main square, is heavily controlled, leading to long queues for those seeking entry. The restrictions are in place due to a protest encampment by the National Coordinating Committee of Education Workers (CNTE) that has cordoned off surrounding streets.

A primary controlled access point on Francisco I. Madero street, near Simón Bolívar, has seen extensive lines forming. This entrance, managed by the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC), was temporarily closed for a couple of hours, exacerbating the wait for pedestrians. A local worker urged the crowd to form orderly lines to prevent further closures.

Alternative entry points are available, though limited. Individuals can walk to the street of Tacuba or use a narrow passage between Cinco de Febrero and Venustiano Carranza streets to access parts of the Zócalo circuit, which includes businesses like jewelry stores and restaurants. However, direct access to the main Plaza de la Constitución is restricted to government employees with identification, enforced by police at an entrance on Tacuba and República de Brasil.

The Zócalo itself is surrounded by metal barriers, and ongoing work indicates preparations for the FIFA Fan Fest 2026. The presence of the CNTE protest and the security measures create a complex situation for public access and event preparation in the heart of the capital.