Porfirio Díaz: what were his favorite sports

Porfirio Díaz has been one of the most prominent and well-known characters in history, his cultural, economic and social legacy has been enough for many today to remember, love or hate him. There is no denying that the country faced endless changes when he sat in the presidential chair, however, few know that behind that soldier with a firm character and hard expression was hiding a normal person who had multiple dreams, desires and above all, hobbies.

It is no secret that Díaz Mori had a very exclusive circle of relatives, in which distinguished politicians, businessmen and foreigners stood out. Due to this situation, the Oaxaca-born dictator used to spend most of his free time cultivating and nurturing his personal friendships, mainly because, according to the American historian William Beezley, part of his political strategy was based on polite and “funny treatment with the cream of the aristocracy, in this way he managed to entertain himself and at the same time secure future investments in his country”.

Among his favorite social activities was outdoor recreation, as it should be noted that, as an article by the Colegio de México (COLMEX) states, his abilities as a human being were not limited to the military or politics, since “he was a born athlete who always enthusiastically observed the arts of sports and entertainment”. Among his favorite sports was “the game of Rugby, golf, cricket, horse riding and, occasionally, baseball”.

He also enjoyed watching football games and boxing, although the American historian details that he simply preferred to watch these activities rather than practice them. In addition, the UNAM teacher, Yolanda García, adds that “at dawn Porfirio Díaz practiced gymnastics and swimming, a fundamental part of his routine, since it was a hobby he did since childhood, he kept him healthy” and it worked as a distraction, in the same way it is pointed out that it helped him maintain discipline.

Because the Oaxacan boosted foreign investment, people came from different countries, including Americans, French, English and even Scots. They were a central factor for activities such as rugby or cricket to be established in the daily life of the Mexican aristocracy.

The magazine of Mexican Archaeology of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) tells that one of the most famous sports centers was the “Reforma Athletic Club, since there many Englishmen attended cricket matches and clashed with the Rugby Union Football team”, they were also born groups in other parts of the Republic such as Monterrey and Pachuca, where “athletics and combat exhibitions, duels and fights” also took place.

Later, they began to look for spaces in the capital so that the upper classes could go to enjoy their weekends, so the Country Club was born in Churubusco, which had a golf course, tennis courts, a theater room, dances and concerts and accommodation for travelers. On the other hand, a headquarters was inaugurated in Reforma where baseball, cricket and space for track sports stood out, and the Gymnastic Club was founded in Monterrey “for those who were interested in the game of juggling with maces, of indigenous origin, physical culture, boxing and wrestling”.

Finally, people's taste for biking and attending horse races also dazzled in the capital. The same source details that, although at the beginning sports were unique for those who had the most, over time the less privileged ones were integrated into the new social rites, with the difference that they did not have as exclusive corners as in the Country Club or the Athletic Reforma.

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