History

March 18th: A Day History Took a Darkly Comic Turn

On March 18th, history reveals its darkly comedic side. A deposed Pakistani leader is sentenced to death, a controversial play faces trial, a daring art heist stuns the world, an actress's life is tragically cut short, and Putin's grip on power tightens amidst accusations of fraud.

Mexicanist

Mar 18, 2024 — 2 min read

Police barricade tape stretched across a museum gallery, showing empty gilded frames on the wall.

History isn't just a collection of dusty dates and forgotten faces. It crackles with drama, skulks in shadows, and occasionally bursts out in garish displays of absurdity. Today, March 18th, holds a peculiar collection of historical events. We'll journey from the dark corners of political power struggles to the courtroom clashes over artistic expression, then take a detour into the audacious world of art heists before ending up in the carnivalesque atmosphere of a rigged election.

March 18th, 1978 saw Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto sentenced to death. A magnetic but controversial figure, he was found guilty of orchestrating a political murder. Power in Pakistan has often been a deadly game of musical chairs, and Bhutto, once revered as a national hero, now faced the hangman's noose. His execution a year later would send shockwaves through the nation, sparking questions about justice and political vendettas that linger to this day.

A skeletal Day of the Dead figure tossing coins instead of flower petals.

The Engine of Mexico’s Economy: How Tacos, Festivals, and a Greased Pig Keep the Lights On

Mexico’s tacos, festivals and crafts aren’t just cultural gems—they fuel 2.9% of GDP (815B pesos) and 1.5M jobs. Heritage like Day of the Dead, rain rituals and artisanal crafts prop up the economy, proving tradition can be a financial powerhouse.

Photo of Popocatépetl emitting a plume of smoke and ash.

Don Goyo's Grumbles: Inside the Mind of Mexico's Restless Volcano

For 30 years, Popocatépetl (aka Don Goyo) has been erupting, baffling scientists who've studied it since before its 1994 reactivation. From mapping hazards to analyzing ash, their research has spanned decades, even involving a presidential briefing.

Split image shows car-clogged sprawl and a walkable neighborhood.

Rethinking Urban Spaces: How City Design Can Drive Sustainable Transport

Urban planning is key to sustainable transport, says UNAM expert Manuel Suárez Lastra. Compact cities with mixed-use zoning encourage walking and cycling, reducing reliance on cars and their carbon footprint.

Close-up photo of hands preparing tacos on a street food stall. Focus on the food and the hands.

How Street Food Feeds Mexico City and Preserves Tradition

Mexico City's street food vendors are vital, comprising over 50% of food sales in some areas. Research reveals they offer affordable, traditional Mexican food, often healthier than supermarket fare, addressing food access issues in a city where many can't afford formal establishments.

Read more

The Engine of Mexico’s Economy: How Tacos, Festivals, and a Greased Pig Keep the Lights On

Don Goyo's Grumbles: Inside the Mind of Mexico's Restless Volcano

Rethinking Urban Spaces: How City Design Can Drive Sustainable Transport

How Street Food Feeds Mexico City and Preserves Tradition