Mexico | Security outlook for major events in Mexico City

• We assess that the likelihood of any major security incidents in Mexico City is low in the coming weeks
• The capital is due to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix race, several Day of the Dead-related events, and an NBA basketball game between 24 October and 1 November
• Opportunistic street crime, such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching, will almost certainly be the main security risk for attendees of these events

We do not anticipate any major security incidents in Mexico City in the coming weeks. Between 24 October and 1 November, the city is due to host two major sporting events and festivities relating to the Day of the Dead holiday (1-2 November). Despite high levels of gang violence elsewhere in Mexico, large attacks in the capital have been rare in recent years. And so there is a low likelihood of major gang attacks in the city during any of the upcoming events.

We assess that petty, opportunistic crime will be the main security risk for travellers to the city and attendees of the events. Our general crime risk rating for Mexico City is high. Both sporting events and Day of the Dead parades are scheduled to take place in relatively safe areas where violent crime is not frequent; incidents of armed muggings around the venues and along the parade routes during the events have been uncommon in recent years. Heavy traffic is likely in the city over the coming week, due to road closures and a heavy influx of visitors.

Schedule of major events

The following events are due to take place between 24 October and 1 November:

• Mexico City Grand Prix – 24 to 26 October – Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
• The Catrina Procession – 26 October (1800hrs) – Starting at Angel de la Independencia monument and then along Paseo de la Reforma Avenue to the Zocalo main square
• Day of the Dead Parade – 1 November (1400hrs) – Starting at Chapultepec Park’s ‘Lions Gate’ and then along Paseo de la Reforma Avenue to the Zocalo
• NBA Mexico City Game – 1 November (2000hrs) – Arena CDMX

Major acts of gang violence unlikely

There is a low likelihood of major gang attacks in the city during the upcoming events. Gangs appear to avoid violent confrontations in central areas of the city. We have seen no evidence of gangs targeting the Day of the Dead events or high-profile sporting events in recent years. No major foreign governments have issued any specific warnings about potential gang violence around these events. The most recent high-profile case of gang violence was the assassination of two Mexico City government officials on 20 May. That said, this was very likely a targeted attack directed at the Mayor; both victims worked closely with her.

Opportunistic street crime is the main security risk

The main security risk for attendees to these events will almost certainly be petty crime. Incidents such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in most areas of the city, including tourist zones such as the city centre and the Zona Rosa, as well as affluent areas such as Polanco and Condesa. This is according to police data, press reports and anecdotal evidence from our contacts in the city. Petty crime is typically opportunistic and based on perceptions of wealth, according to our contacts. For instance, criminals often monitor ATMs to rob people who have withdrawn cash.

Of the three events, the Day of the Dead parades are those where we assess attendees will be most exposed to crime. This is mainly due to the size and location. Both parades will start along sections of Paseo de la Reforma Avenue located in upmarket and business areas and proceed to the Zocalo, where pickpocketing is common. And large crowds of people will probably entice petty street criminals to operate there.

Neither the city police or foreign governments have issued specific advisories about petty crime at such events. However, most standing advice from the US, UK and other foreign governments notes that pickpocketing and bag-snatching is common, including on public transport.

Large police deployments will probably deter criminals from targeting attendees at the NBA game and Grand Prix. This is even though both the Autodromo and the Arena CDMX are located in somewhat more deprived areas. According to local press reports, in 2024 the authorities deployed 2,550 police officers during the Grand Prix. We anticipate a similarly sized deployment this time. And it is very likely that the police will also deploy large numbers around the Arena CDMX for the basketball game. The organisers of both events have said there will be private security guarding the venues.

While plausible, armed street muggings are unlikely in the vicinity of the upcoming events. Official police figures show that homicides, which typically indicate the prevalence of violent crime, tend to occur most often in downmarket neighbourhoods. Tepito, where the homicide rate is highest, is close to the Zocalo where the Day of the Dead parades will end (see map). And in the rare cases when armed muggings take place in affluent areas popular with foreign visitors, such as Polanco, Condesa and the Zona Rosa, these tend to occur at night.

Travel disruption likely in central areas and around F1 venue

An influx of visitors will almost certainly exacerbate already heavy road traffic around the events, particularly the Grand Prix. The authorities have not yet disclosed any specific arrangements, but the F1 website indicates there is no parking available at the venue. Based on the arrangements made last year, it is probable that attendees will be encouraged to use public transport or designated ‘park and ride’ services across the city. There do not appear to be any restrictions to drive to the Arena CDMX. Taxis and rideshare apps are also safe options to reach both venues, in our experience of operating in the city.

We assess that delays to reach the Benito Juarez International Airport are likely between 24 and 26 October due to potential traffic jams around the Autodromo, which is only 3km away. Based on measures taken last year by the local authorities, one lane of the roads around the Autodromo will probably be reserved exclusively for buses from the ‘park and ride’ services for the Grand Prix weekend.

Traffic is also likely to be congested in central areas of the city as a result of the Day of the Dead events between 26 October and 1 November. The Mexico City authorities have yet to announce any such measures, but several major roads in the city centre, as well as adjacent roads, are typically closed for the parades. The city provides official updates regarding travel disruption due to protests and events here.

Protests unlikely to affect upcoming events

We have not seen any calls for protests from major activist groups during this period. While near-daily protests over a variety of issues are common in the capital, in our monitoring we have not seen plans for any disruptive demonstrations between 24 October and 2 November, inclusive. And the main protest route, from the Angel de la Independencia monument on Paseo de la Reforma Avenue towards the Zocalo, will also be used by the parades. This means the police would probably be well placed to disperse any attempted gatherings.