Abstract
The author of this article shows us different interesting aspects of the social and cultural life of the porfirian society of the last third of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, through public entertainment. In the beginning of the 20th century, the porfirian society (inevitably split into rich and poor people), could enjoy the start of the cinematograph, invented in France by the Lumière brothers. They could also practice or attend games of sports, such as baseball, soccer, pelota court or tennis. Theatrical plays, bullfights (considered by some stylish officials as a "wild, primitive and bloody" show), the circus, fairs and promenades to traditional sites such as the Chapultepec forest or the Alameda Central were also within reach of the people living in the capital, according to their tastes or economic possibilities.