Peaceful Protests and Vandalism at Playa del Carmen Women’s March

Over a thousand women took to the streets of Playa del Carmen on International Women's Day, Saturday, March 8. They were there to highlight the daily violence they face and to demand justice for victims of gender-based violence. The demonstration was organized by the non-profit organization "Siempre Unidas," which invited citizens to gather on Quinta Avenida at 6:00 pm before marching to the Municipal Palace.

Various feminist groups, including "Hoy por ellas, mañana por todos," "Mujeres México," "Bicineta," and "Teje y Maneje," requested that security forces be absent from the march. They wanted to ensure their protest remained peaceful and legitimate. Videos on social media confirmed that the authorities in Playa del Carmen respected this request, allowing the women to express themselves without interference.

Women and girls of all ages participated in the demonstration, many wearing purple, a symbol of the feminist struggle in Mexico. Demonstrators used large water containers as drums to accompany their chants against patriarchy and their calls for justice. Chants included "They took them alive, we want them back alive," "Sir, madam, do not be indifferent, women are being murdered in front of people," and "Down with patriarchy, up with feminism."

While the majority of the march was peaceful, a group of activists vandalized the Solidaridad Municipal Palace. They graffitied the building, broke down the main door, and started a fire at the entrance. The graffiti included the names of men accused of being attackers. Security forces arrived to assess the situation and confirmed that there were no injuries. At the time of reporting, no arrests have been made.