STORY: Mariachis, prehispanic warriors and giant Day of the Dead figures filled one of Mexico City’s main avenues on Saturday (June 13) as the capital staged a colourful World Cup-themed parade blending football fever with Mexican tradition.

The procession moved along Paseo de la Reforma to the Monument to the Revolution, featuring “Catrina” skeletons, alebrijes and floats celebrating past World Cup tournaments hosted by Mexico.

Spectators lined the route and watched as performers danced alongside floats carrying oversized replicas and photographs of late football icons such as Pele and Diego Maradona.

Foreign fans in the city for the 2026 tournament said the celebration highlighted Mexico’s warmth and culture.

Visitors from the United States also praised the atmosphere. “It’s incredible here… the Mexican fans, the hospitality, the people, everybody’s just been incredible so far,” said tourist Riley Gorham.

For many tourists, the parade offered a first glimpse of traditions usually seen later in the year.

The parade is part of Mexico City’s celebrations as the country co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the U.S. and Canada.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (JUNE 13, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. PEOPLE DRESSED AS MARIACHIS PARADING

2. PARTICIPANTS IN PREHISPANIC COSTUMES PARADING

3. PERSON WEARING SKULL MASK

4. PARTICIPANTS IN PREHISPANIC COSTUMES PARADING

5. ATTENDEE WATCHING THE PARADE

6. DAY OF THE DEAD ALTAR CAR WITH MARADONA AND PELE PHOTOGRAPHS

7. ATTENDEE WEARING MEXICAN SOCCER TEAM JERSEY WATCHING PARADE

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) COLOMBIAN LIVING IN MEXICO, VALENTINA LOPEZ, SAYING:

“My brother arrived on June 10, the day before the opening ceremony, and we’ve had an amazing time. We came to celebrate at Reforma (avenue), and honestly, the Mexicans have welcomed us so, so warmly. There’s a very special sense of joy in the air. We’re going to the Colombia game next week—we’re ready to see Colombia win that first match too, and to watch James Rodriguez, Munoz, and Diaz score lots of goals.”

9. ATTENDEES WAVING MEXICAN FLAG

10. PINK AXOLOTL FIGURE AT PARADE

11. GIANT FLOATING BALL

12. (SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED STATES TOURIST, RILEY GORHAM, SAYING:

“I've been to Mexico City for a few days now. It's incredible here, man. We were here from the start. We went to the Fan Fest in Campo Marte, just incredible the whole time. The Mexican fans, the hospitality, the people. Everybody's just been incredible so far. We've seen, surprisingly, a lot of Colombians here, even though we don't play until next week. But it's been a great experience so far. Absolutely loving it.”

13. MEXICAN WOMEN TEAM WINNERS OF THE UNOFFICIAL 1971 FEMALE WORLD CUP

14. PELE PARADE CAR

15. VARIOUS OF 1986 WORLD CUP MASCOT PIQUE FLOAT

16. MEXICO SOCCER TEAM CAR HOMAGE

17. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) COLOMBIAN TOURIST, SANTIAGO GONZALEZ, SAYING:

“I like it (the parade). I think it’s something very traditional, a very Mexican tradition. I, for one, had never seen it before. And even though it might not be exactly the same as the one you usually have in October, I think bringing it here so that many of us foreigners can see it is really cool—it really catches our attention.”

18. PARADE CAR WITH AXOLOTL AND QUETZALCOATL FIGURES

19. HUMMINGBIRD FIGURE

20. DANCERS WITH MONARCH BUTTERFLIES AND HUMMINGBIRDS COSTUMES