Blockade on Avenida Parque Lira Exceeds 30 Hours in Mexico City
Mexico City, February 11 – A significant traffic disruption has gripped Avenida Parque Lira in the Miguel Hidalgo borough of Mexico City, as a blockade initiated by local residents and environmental activists entered its second day, surpassing the 30-hour mark. The protest, which began on Monday, February 9, has led to substantial traffic jams and affected public transportation, including the Metrobús Line 2, which is operating on a limited route.
Reasons Behind the Prolonged Protest
The core of the dispute revolves around a planned private immersive event scheduled to take place in Parque Lira. Residents from nearby neighborhoods, supported by environmental groups, are demonstrating against what they perceive as the privatization of a public space. Concerns have also been raised by environmentalists regarding potential damage to the park’s flora and fauna due to the event’s installation.
According to Omar Martínez, reporting for Infobae on February 10, 2026, the blockade points of circulation are from Gobernador General José Morán, with protesters positioned at Gobernador Agustín Vicente Eguia from Gobernador Rafael Rebollar.
Metrobús Services Affected
The prolonged blockade has significantly impacted the Metrobús Line 2, which typically runs from Tacubaya to Tepalcates. As a result of the protest, services on this line have been curtailed, with units now only operating between Tacubaya and La Salle within the Miguel Hidalgo borough. This partial operation has caused considerable inconvenience for daily commuters relying on this vital public transport link.
Miguel Hidalgo Borough Responds to Allegations
In response to the growing public outcry and allegations of privatization, the Miguel Hidalgo borough government issued an official statement on Tuesday, February 10, through its social media channels. The statement aimed to clarify the nature of the event and address the concerns raised by the protesters.
The borough clarified that the event scheduled for February in Parque Lira is not a privatization but rather a “rescue action” for the park, financed through private investment. The statement emphasized that this initiative is a collaboration with the private sector, which will see an investment of 4.1 million pesos (approximately 240,000 USD) directed towards the rehabilitation of the park. This investment is earmarked for improvements in lighting, green areas, and general maintenance, without utilizing public funds.
Mauricio Tabe, the mayor of Miguel Hidalgo, had previously provided details on this immersive experience, stating that the model implemented is similar to the “Light Cycles” spectacle in Bosque de Chapultepec, a project undertaken by the Mexico City Government. The borough reiterated that the objective is to revitalize the park through private funding, ensuring that it remains a public space while undergoing necessary enhancements.
Ongoing Dialogue and Future Implications
As the blockade continues, the situation highlights the tension between urban development initiatives and community concerns over public spaces. While the borough asserts its commitment to improving Parque Lira through private partnerships, residents and environmentalists remain steadfast in their demands for the protection of the park’s public nature and ecological integrity.
The prolonged protest underscores the importance of transparent communication and community engagement in urban planning. The outcome of this standoff will likely set a precedent for how similar projects are approached in Mexico City and other urban centers, where the balance between development and public interest is a constant challenge.
Authorities are expected to continue their efforts to de-escalate the situation and reach a resolution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders while ensuring the continued functionality of the city’s infrastructure.
