Porfirio Díaz: el Centenario, capítulo III. La vida en tiempos de don Porfirio
Despite the significant expansion of the railways and the efforts to sanitize and embellish towns and cities promoted during the 'Porfirian' regime, the overall lifestyle of the Mexicans continued to be meager. The dramatic contrast between rich and poor, literacy and ignorance didn't substantially change during this period. Nevertheless and in spite of this prevailing inequality, every Mexican from every status relaxed in traditional amusement spaces (strolls, balls and civic festivals) and with the new ways of entertainment that were established in the first years of the century as sports, film and leisure traveling by train.
