World Cup Parade Kicks Off on Reforma Amidst Cheers and Some Boos

The Grand World Cup Parade, a celebration organized by the Mexico City government for the 2026 Football World Cup, commenced on Paseo de la Reforma with a noticeable delay. Crowds began to express their impatience with whistles and calls for the event to start shortly after 1 p.m.

Thousands of families, alongside tourists from Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and the United States, lined the iconic Reforma avenue. They gathered from the Glorieta de la Diana Cazadora all the way to the Monumento a la Revolución, eager to witness the procession of contingents.

Mexico City's Head of Government, Clara Brugada, arrived at the Diana Cazadora to officially begin the parade. Her arrival was met with some boos from the assembled crowd. The parade itself featured a diverse array of participants, including a World Cup ball, chinelos dancers, an allegorical float representing the ancient ball game, mariachi musicians, and band music.

Further along the route, another float was dedicated to football legends as part of an ofrenda de muertos (Day of the Dead offering). The parade also included a comparsa of 50 catrinas, a giant rolling trajinera, and processions from the indigenous communities of Mexico City, showcasing a rich tapestry of culture and celebration.