Thousands of indigenous people march in Mexico City with culture and demands

Thousands of indigenous people filled the streets of Mexico City on Sunday for a vibrant march celebrating culture and demanding rights on the International Day of Indigenous Peoples. The 'Megacalenda 2026' event saw participants from various states showcase their identity, resistance, and calls for recognition.

Moving from the iconic Angel of Independence to the Zócalo, the procession was a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Dancers in elaborate devil costumes, wind bands, and individuals adorned in traditional attire representing their communities created a lively spectacle. The march aimed to make the presence of indigenous peoples in the capital visible through music, dance, and poetry.

Despite the festive atmosphere, organizers from the Movement of Pueblos, Comunidades y Organizaciones Indígenas (Mpcoi) emphasized the protest's serious purpose. They stated the 'Megacalenda' is a demonstration of their right to free assembly, used to denounce the lack of attention from all levels of government to pressing issues.

Key demands included dignified housing with cultural relevance, payment of outstanding wages to indigenous language interpreters by the city prosecutor's office, and a larger annual budget to support these communities. This year marked the 17th edition of the Megacalenda, a long-standing mobilization focused on both cultural expression and social advocacy.

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The Megacalenda is not a party, it is a protest… it is the exercise of our right to free demonstration to denounce the lack of attention from the authorities of the three levels of government to different problems.