In advance of the Summer Olympic Games which would take place in Mexico City, making it the first Games to be staged in Latin America and hosted by a developing country, LIFE photographer John Dominis came and offered an intimate look at the people, their life and their rich culture. Take a look at the country through 18 vibrant photographs taken by Dominis during his stay below:
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| Men wearing masks performing. |
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| School children playing on Olympic logo Mexico 68. |
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| 16-year-old Olympic Stadium being refurbished including a colored apron which directs crowds to the entrances. |
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| A child carrying bouquet on her way to the fiesta. |
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| Park dancers in flurry of action. |
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| A park dancer clapping to the rhythm. |
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| Vendor selling pinwheels at La Merced market. |
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| Young girl with flowers in her hair. |
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| 15-feet plastic fencer in en garde position erected in the stands at Aztec Stadium for Olympic Games. |
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| Couples in Chapultepec Park. |
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| Chamula women participating in cambio de mayordomo. |
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| Line of people under building facade. |
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| Structures rising high above Satellite City. |
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| Olympic posters decorating a wall. |
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| Mother nursing child while burning incense. |
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| Mariachi singers strumming on ukuleles. |
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| A lily seller. |
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