The holiday season has always been a mirror of the spirit of the times. In the Mexico City of the 1960s, Christmas was not only a period of celebration, but a vibrant spectacle that transformed the streets and hearts of its inhabitants. This era encapsulated a Mexico in constant change, where tradition and modernity coexisted in a delicate balance.
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A selection of photographs from the historical archive of El Heraldo de México -now safeguarded by the Universidad Iberoamericana- transports us back to that era. These images not only capture the visual details, but evoke the emotions and memories of an iconic decade. From the first imports of Christmas trees to the crowds in the Alameda Central, the photographs bear witness to a Mexico that celebrated with passion.
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The center of the city shone like never before thanks to the illuminated figures that decorated the main avenues. Angels, shepherds and stars transformed the streets into a vibrant canvas of colors, a perfect setting for families and tourists. This luminous display was not just a decoration: it was a statement of the festive and communal character that defines the capital.
Markets and stores became a hive of activity. In their aisles, aromas of colaciones, tejocotes and shiny spheres mingled, inviting one to imagine nativity scenes full of life. Store windows competed in creativity, decorated with everything from piñatas to artificial trees, which had just begun to be imported.
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The posadas were, as they are today, the epicenter of family and community coexistence. These parties, full of songs and aromatic punch, were an ode to generosity and joy. Breaking the piñata was not just a game: it was a symbolic act that united generations and reinforced collective identity.
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To relive the Christmas of the 1960s in Mexico City is to reconnect with the essence of a tradition that, although adapted to modern times, still has the ability to unite us. Every light, every song and every broken piñata reminds us that the magic of these holidays does not lie in the material, but in the warmth of sharing them.
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