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:
 |
| Men wearing masks performing. |
 |
| School children playing on Olympic logo Mexico 68. |
 |
| 16-year-old Olympic Stadium being refurbished including a colored apron which directs crowds to the entrances. |
 |
| A child carrying bouquet on her way to the fiesta. |
 |
| Park dancers in flurry of action. |
 |
| A park dancer clapping to the rhythm. |
 |
| Vendor selling pinwheels at La Merced market. |
 |
| Young girl with flowers in her hair. |
 |
| 15-feet plastic fencer in en garde position erected in the stands at Aztec Stadium for Olympic Games. |
 |
| Couples in Chapultepec Park. |
 |
| Chamula women participating in cambio de mayordomo. |
 |
| Line of people under building facade. |
 |
| Structures rising high above Satellite City. |
 |
| Olympic posters decorating a wall. |
 |
| Mother nursing child while burning incense. |
 |
| Mariachi singers strumming on ukuleles. |
 |
| A lily seller. |
 |
| Man selling balloons. |