Due to failed negotiations between the Union of Road Workers and transit employers, bus drivers across Rio de Janeiro will strike indefinitely, beginning on June 29. The strike is expected to affect thousands of people, including residents and tourists, and alternative modes of transportation will likely become more sought after.
Approximately 10,000 demonstrators are expected to attend the “White Ribbon March” to demand electoral reforms and denounce government corruption. The demonstration has been organized by a coalition of religious, civic, and activist groups. The rally will take place near the EDSA People Power Monument, with heightened police presence expected around the nearby EDSA Shrine and the US Embassy. Traffic disruptions and heavy congestion are likely along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and White Plains Avenue.
Gion Matsuri, a Shinto festival and one of Japan’s largest cultural celebrations, is held in Kyoto, Japan, from July 1 to 31. Over one million people attend each year, with the largest crowds on July 17 and July 24, when the two Yamaboko Junko float parades occur. From July 14-16 and July 21-23, downtown Kyoto’s streets are closed for Yoiyama, evening street festivals. Heightened security measures and extensive road closures are implemented throughout the festival.
Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is a major cultural celebration in Peru. Approximately 100,000 attendees and 1,000 performers attend the festival annually. Inti Raymi festivities are held throughout the day at Qoricancha, Huacaypata, and Sacsayhuamán. Road closures and high volumes of people will lead to significant transportation delays. Cusco sits at an elevation of 11,155 ft, making altitude sickness among visitors common.
The San Fermín Festival in Pamplona runs from July 6 to July 14, with Running of the Bulls events beginning July 7 at approximately 8:00 AM, drawing over one million visitors. Crowding, high-speed bulls, alcohol use, and restricted movement increase injury risks and limit emergency access. Transportation and emergency services will be strained by festival congestion.
The Mexican Alliance of Transportation Organizations (AMOTAC) has organized a protest in response to workers’ safety concerns. Starting at 7:00 AM on June 24, AMOTAC plans to block highways and major roads throughout Mexico, with the largest blockages occurring in Mexico City. Traffic related to the two World Cup matches Mexico is hosting that day will further strain the country’s transportation infrastructure, likely causing severe congestion and delays in and around Mexico City and Monterrey.
The 36th annual NATO Summit will be taking place in Ankara, Türkiye from July 7-8. All 32 member heads of state are expected to attend, as well as those from allied nations such as Ukraine and NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners. Ankara will be highly securitized, including a hard perimeter around the event, increased police presence, checkpoints, and increased cyber probing. Additionally, planned infrastructure upgrades and street closures will likely cause major transit disruptions.
Tram and rail drivers in Alicante and Valencia, affiliated with the Spanish Union of Railway Train Drivers, Independent Railway Union, and Metrovalencia, will strike intermittently from June 19 to June 30. It is anticipated that strikes will occur across multiple days and at key transit times, resulting in delays throughout the entire period. These strikes coincide with separate industry strikes in the region.
The Montreal International Jazz Festival will take place from June 25 to July 4 with approximately 2 million attendees. Increased congestion and road closures are likely to cause transportation delays throughout downtown Montreal. The Quartier des Spectacles will be closed daily from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM and road closures will affect multiple intersections surrounding Place des Festivals. Security corridors will also be established to help manage pedestrian traffic flow.
The presidential run-off election between Abelardo de la Espriella and Iván Cepeda will take place across Colombia on June 21. Polling stations will operate from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Historically, election results have prompted demonstrations and gatherings by opposing political groups, which can continue for several days. Heightened security measures are expected around polling locations and government buildings nationwide.