Military parade for Independence mobilizes all of Mexico City
The Mexico City military parade will be the centerpiece of a high-impact event this September 16th, when thousands of citizens gather to commemorate the beginning of Mexico's Independence Day. The event, which combines tradition, logistical deployment, and national symbolism, will tour iconic locations in the capital with the participation of armed forces, civilian groups, and Mexican Air Force aircraft.
The march will begin at 10:00 a.m. from Campo Marte, proceeding along Paseo de la Reforma to reach the capital's Zócalo, where tributes will be paid in front of the presidential balcony. As every year, a massive turnout of the public, tourists, and media is expected, prompting a special security and mobility operation by the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC CDMX).
Closed streets and alternative routes in Mexico City
The parade will involve temporary closures on key arteries such as Juárez Avenue, Lázaro Cárdenas Central Axis, Hidalgo, 20 de Noviembre, and Florencia Street. Alternate streets such as Eje 1 Norte , Chapultepec Avenue, José María Izazaga, Fray Servando Teresa de Mier, Presidente Masaryk Avenue, and Circuito Interior will also be affected.
Authorities recommend avoiding the downtown area from early morning and using peripheral roads for urgent trips. The Road Safety Guidance Center (OVIAL) published an interactive map with suggested detours and restricted access points, available on its official channels.
Changes to the CDMX Metrobús service
The Metrobús system announced changes to several lines. On Line 1, only the sections between Indios Verdes and Plaza de la República, and between El Caminero and Insurgentes, will operate. The Hamburgo, Reforma, and Buenavista II stations will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Line 3 will operate only between Tenayuca and Buenavista III, while Line 4 will suspend its southern route between 5:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. On the northern route, there will be no stops at Bellas Artes or Buenavista IV. Line 7 will also be interrupted between Campo Marte and Hidalgo for much of the day.
The CDMX Military Parade is one of the most anticipated events of the year.
The Mobility Secretariat announced that staff will be deployed at key stations to guide users and provide transportation alternatives. In addition, RTP and Trolleybus services will be reinforced in areas near the route.
Military participation and aerial tribute
One of the most anticipated moments of the Mexico City Military Parade is the flyover of Mexican Air Force aircraft, which will travel in formation over the skies of the capital and the State of Mexico. This aerial spectacle typically includes helicopters, fighter jets, and transport planes that cross the Zócalo in synchronization with the main event.
The parade will also feature armored vehicles, historical reenactments, military bands, and civilian contingents paying tribute to the heroes of independence. The ceremony seeks to reinforce the sense of national unity and showcase the armed forces' operational to the public.
Recommendations for those attending or circulating in the area
The SSC CDMX and Civil Protection recommend that attendees bring hydration, avoid crowds, respect security barriers, and follow the instructions of the deployed personnel. Those traveling through the city are advised to check real-time traffic conditions and anticipate delays in areas near the route.
Security personnel, medical teams, and citizen assistance units will be present at various locations in the capital. The event will be broadcast live on national media and digital platforms, allowing the tribute to be followed from anywhere in the country.
