All the countries in the world have changed dramatically since the 1970s. In the case of Mexico, the last fifty years helped modernize the country while holding on to its roots, history, and culture.
Mexico has promoted itself as an attractive tourist destination and the development of tourism resulted in a transformation like no other. Once empty beaches are now swarmed with resorts and the infrastructure meets demands of all kinds of travelers: it is one of the most visited countries in the world.
The photographs below will likely give you wanderlust. They paint a picture of Mexico as it once was, how it is now, and how timeless certain elements of the country’s culture are. Get ready to travel back in time.
20 The Mexican Dirty War And Its Consequences
Back in the '70s, there was an internal conflict between the Mexican government on one side and left-wing groups on the other in Mexico and it lasted into the '80s. 'The right photograph dates back to 2008 and it shows that people still haven’t forgotten some injustices done during the war.
19 The Timeless Aztec Canals Of Xochimilco
Xochimilco is a neighborhood in Mexico City and there, time stands still. The photograph dates back to the '80s, yet it hasn’t changed much since then. The ancient water canals were built by Aztecs and they are well worth a visit if you have enough time in Mexico City.
18 Ciudad Acuña's Busy Streets
This photograph of Ciudad Acuña, a smaller city on the border with USA, shows the American influences on the Mexican way of life. Coca-Cola is a huge part of the Mexican culture ever since it was first introduced in the 1960s. An average Mexican drinks 700 cups a year!
17 The Charming Streetcars Of Mexico City In the 1970s
In the mid-19th century, Mexico City introduced streetcars as means of public transportation. After a hundred years, their popularity started declining. In the '70s, three lines were operating and the last line closed in 1984. Today, these quaint vehicles no longer operate and you can take the metro instead.
16 Mexico City Modernized And Kept Its Charm
Mexico City’s historic sights are contrasted with tall, shiny skyscrapers. The photograph depicts a boy sitting in front of Torre Reforma, the tallest building in Mexico. It even won an award for being the best skyscraper in the world, proving Mexico is following modern architectural trends.
15 Cancun Before Resorts Were Built
Cancun in the picture looks nothing like the city we know today. In the '70s, there was only one fishing village. In the '80s, tourists came swarming in, and the rest is history. The white-sand beaches are filled with hotels and there has been a significant negative impact on the environment.
14 Cancun's Rise To Fame
It is hard to imagine the famous strip of land used to only have one or two hotels. There were no high-rise buildings. Today, hotels offer crazy views of the beach and of their resorts. There are said to be 32,000 beds that welcome travelers from all over the world.
13 1975 Was A Tragic Year For The Subway Riders In Mexico City
The metro had been running for six years until, in 1975, there was a tragic accident. One train hit another with full speed, which resulted in approximately 40 deaths. According to The New York Times, it is said to have been “a combination of electronic and human failures.”
12 Zócalo, The Main Square In Mexico City, Has Always Been Busy
Locals call it Zócalo, but the full name of this giant square in Mexico City is Plaza de la Constitución. Just like in decades past, Zócalo is still packed with many interesting buildings and historical landmarks. There are also restaurants, an old temple, and a magnificent post office.
11 Acapulco Was The Ultimate Vacation Spot
The East coast has Cancun, but the Pacific coast has just as much to offer to the beach-hungry tourists. Acapulco was Mexico’s first bigger resort and it hosted the biggest Hollywood stars in the fifties. In the 1970s, the hype calmed down, but it remains a ridiculously popular spot.
10 Acapulco's Fame Lingers On
Acapulco used to be the ultimate Mexican getaway. Sadly, Acapulco hasn’t had the best media presence recently due to crime and a strong police presence. Regardless of that and the fact that there are many other cities in Mexico to choose to vacation in, Acapulco still attracts numerous customers.
9 The Catastrophic 1985 Earthquake And Its Consequences
In September 1985, a magnitude 8.1 earthquake struck Mexico City and caused an electricity blackout and leveled more than 100,000 houses. The poor were deeply affected as they suddenly didn’t have any access to water. The city lies on a sinking lake bed, making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes.
8 Every Once In A While, A Dramatic Hurricane Comes Along
The photograph on the left portrays the devastation after Hurricane Lorena hit Mexico in 2019. The right one shows the consequences of the 1988 Hurricane Gilbert. Hurricanes are quite common in the area and Mexico has developed efficient strategies that help prepare for them better than in the past.
7 Mass Confusion During A Car Accident
This photograph probably dates back to the '80s and it is interesting to see what kind of cars people drove. Much of the architecture in Mexico is still the same, yet this picture brings about nostalgia for times when things were much simpler, despite the car accident.
6 The US-Mexico Border Has Always Been Busy
The border between Mexico and the USA has always been a hot topic. It is one of the longest borders between two countries in the world. An organized prosecution of illegal immigrants started in 1994 and in the '90s the US Government started building fences.
5 Mexico Is Not Always Hot And Sunny
When we think of Mexico, we think of beaches, suntans, and t-shirts. In 1997 however, there was quite a bit of snowfall in the city of Guadalajara. This never happened before, so the people were puzzled, yet excited. The mountainous parts of Mexico get covered in snow every year.
4 Mass Bike Ride Through Mexico City In the 1980s
Mexican people are revolutionists by heart and when they do not like something, they take their opinion on the streets. The picture above is from the early 1980s, but it is even nowadays that people take their bicycles out on streets once every week, usually on Sundays.
3 The 2000s Saw The Rise Of The Pop Group Rebelde
Just look at these guys outfits and you will know they belong to the fashion-cringey era of the early 2000s. Rebelde was a Mexican soap opera/pop group that became the most successful Latin pop group ever. They even toured Europe and many young teens learned Spanish listening to their songs.
2 The Old Meets New, But Mexicans Will Always Value Their Tradition
Mexico has transformed itself in terms of tourism and modernization, but it still holds on to its traditional values and culture. While many countries are slowly losing their national identity, Mexico keeps its soul alive by celebrating big for their own holidays, such as the famous Day of the Dead.
1 What Brings People To Mexico These Days?
People are mostly visiting Mexico to relax on their amazing beaches on the Pacific and the Caribbean side. The country also has a lot to offer in terms of history, culinary delights, and nature. It is a budget-friendly destination, which makes it attractive to young backpackers as well.