Kolobok Restaurant

Restaurants in Mexico City protested against the strict COVID-19 lockdown measures affecting them with a "cacerolazo" (making noise with pans).

MEXICO CITY — For almost a month, the restaurant industry in Mexico City has been under a second lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. And thousands of them decided to unite on a peaceful protest to push the authorities to be flexible, under the motto and hashtag #AbrimosOMorimos," or “If we close, we die.” 

Restaurants are allowed to work only for delivery and takeout services. But owners and workers say that’s not enough to survive. 

Simultaneously in several parts of the city, thousands of them stepped outside of their businesses making noise with their kitchenware to protest.

Some of them, like outside a prestigious restaurant in the San Ángel neighborhood, chanted “we open or we die."

The industry claims that the city’s government punishes their businesses, while being more tolerant with street food vendors, public transportation and airports. 

According to restaurant representatives, Mexico City's mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the local authorities will soon allow more flexible rules as a result of their negotiations.