Mexico City opens the 2010 World Cup on Thursday with a ceremony at Estadio Azteca that highlights pre-Hispanic culture, as fans gather inside the stadium to celebrate. Coverage from multiple outlets describes supporters in mariachi costumes, wearing sombreros and using instruments such as trumpets, creating a festive atmosphere during the opening event. Outside the venue, protests continue across parts of Mexico City, forming a backdrop to the first match of the tournament. Mexico plays South Africa in the tournament’s opening match later on Thursday, with the stadium area reportedly experiencing sound and movement tied to crowds and the pre-match atmosphere. One account quotes a supporter expressing optimism that the protests will be “forgotten” once the tournament gets under way. Overall reporting across the sources emphasizes the contrast between celebrations inside the Azteca and ongoing demonstrations outside, with the opening ceremony and first game taking place against this divided public mood.