Mexico City Fans Mark Michael Jackson's 68th Birthday With 'Thriller' Tribute

Hundreds of Michael Jackson fans gathered in Mexico City on Saturday to mark what would have been the King of Pop's 68th birthday. The event, titled "I Do Dance to Thriller 2026," saw participants perform the iconic choreography from the legendary music video after weeks of rehearsal.

Jackson impersonators took to the stage, while many in the crowd dressed as the singer himself or as zombies inspired by the 'Thriller' video. A young girl dressed as Jackson was seen holding a photograph of the artist, and cardboard cutouts of the star were on display.

For many, the day carried deep personal meaning. "Michael would have turned 68. For me, this is a truly beautiful way to celebrate his life," said Sergio Medrano, a fan known as "Metato Jackson" within the community dedicated to preserving the singer's legacy in Mexico.

Another attendee, Santiago Martínez, expressed his gratitude: "I would like to say thank you—thank you for saving me; Michael saved me from a very difficult time. And thank you for giving me the inspiration to dance and to do what I love."

Cristina de la Rosa, General Director of the organization "I Do Dance Mexico," spoke about the enduring appeal of Jackson's music. "Always enjoy Michael Jackson's music; there is always a song that transports us to a magical place, reminds us of something wonderful, or makes us feel something wonderful," she said. "Michael Jackson's music is the best."

Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, and died in 2009 at the age of 50. His 'Thriller' album sold more than 20 million copies in 1983 alone and was instrumental in making him the first major Black artist to have a video played on MTV, influencing countless performers worldwide.