ABSTRACT
During the bidding process to host the 1968 Olympic Games, the Mexican team took great care to emphasize the cultural and historical richness of Mexico City while simultaneously seeking to convince onlookers of its modern efficient edge. In effect, they sold a vision of the city’s past, present and future that promised visitors interest, diversity, security, hospitality and all the comforts of contemporary life. The consequences of the successful bid meant that an unprecedented number of foreigners would be coming to Mexico to see whether this rhetoric measured up to reality. At no time in the country’s history had the capital city experienced such a concentrated influx of visitors; people who were attracted primarily by sporting activities but who would nonetheless have considerable time to build up an impression of Mexico, its capital city, and its people.
