“Off with their Event!” Private Parque Lira Party Pulverized

ByLos Reporteros

This article originally appeared in the March 27, 2026 edition of Los Reporteros.

The company Beste Templen officially withdrew from holding the “Alice in Wonderland” event in Parque Lira, after acknowledging that it lacked the necessary technical conditions and permits to guarantee its operation. The decision comes after weeks of public outcry and concerns about potential damage to the public space.

“CANCELED!!!! The private event at Parque Lira has been halted. 🎉🎉🎉 Without permits for environmental, heritage, or civil protection matters, the company will have to remove its installations. Neighbourhood organization does make a difference.” Photo: Violeta Horcasitas, on X

Following the announcement, the Environmental and Territorial Planning Attorney’s Office (PAOT) temporarily lifted the suspension of activities, solely to allow for the removal of the installed furniture and structures. The authority specified that these tasks will take approximately ten days, with the goal of restoring the park to its original condition.

The agency explained that the company itself requested the cancellation of the pending permit process, deeming it unfeasible to meet the requirements in a timely manner. The PAOT reiterated that, once the dismantling work is completed, the precautionary measure will be permanently lifted.

The event had been suspended because Beste Templen lacked key environmental and heritage conservation permits, raising concerns among authorities and residents. The investigation began after 11 citizen complaints warned of risks to the site’s cultural and ecological heritage.

Among the irregularities detected, the company did not have endorsements from entities such as the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), nor permits from the local Planning Secretariat nor the environmental declaration from the Secretariat of the Environment of Mexico City.

The case also led to a class-action lawsuit filed by residents , which strengthened the PAOT’s role as the guarantor authority. With the event’s cancellation, the conflict is partially resolved, though it highlights the social pressure and lack of planning in private projects within public spaces.

Neighbours with the Lira Libre protest symbol. Photo: @RaulParedesP x