A Look at the Dark and Mysterious Side of Mexico

In 19th-century Mexico, executions by firing squad were often held in public plazas, drawing large crowds. People would gather as if attending a festival, watching as condemned criminals were lined up and shot. Vendors even sold food and drinks, turning these grim spectacles into casual community entertainment.

Over time, these events became controversial, with critics arguing they desensitized the public to violence. Eventually, executions were moved behind prison walls. Today, it’s shocking to imagine how normalized death once was as public performance, especially in the same plazas now filled with music, art, and celebration.