It was considered the largest cinema in the world during its time (X/ @cronicas_ciudad)
The history of cinema in Mexico began at the end of the 19th century, when the historic Red Roomwhich was located on Francisco I Madero and Simon Bolivar streets in the Historic Center of Mexico City. Since then, it was known that Mexicans would have a great interest in the seventh art, since during the following decades movie theaters began to open.
Advances in cinema led to the disappearance of the Red Room, today Borda Housein the mid-twentieth century. But that did not stop people from enjoying the screening of films, so the Mexican capital began to surround itself with new places dedicated to cinema, with a unique and different atmosphere than what people were used to.
In this way, he opened the doors Who Florida, a place that would become a turning point in the history of cinema in Mexico, since to this day it is still remembered by many residents of the capital for being the largest in the world during his time.
Opened in 1952, the Florida Cinema It was located on Peña y Peña street in the popular neighborhood of ‘Tepito‘. Unlike other cinemas of its time, It had a surprising capacity of 7,500 seats.. Although it did not have many decorative elements, it became a favorite for people, who enjoyed attending the screening of movies Mexican Golden Age Cinema.
(X/ @cronicas_ciudad)
During its years of operation, it was one of the preferred venues for screening premieres of both national and international films. One of the first foreign films that was screened was Prince Valiantstarring Robert Wagner y Janet Leigh.
In addition to film screenings, the Cine Florida hosted various social and cultural events, becoming a meeting point for the local community. One of the most important moments experienced at the venue was the Tribute to Pedro Infante on July 19, 1955thousands of people from all over the city gathered at that event.
Today, fans of the Mexican singer are grateful that he was honored during his lifetime, as he died in a plane crash just two years later. To this day, he remains an icon of Mexican popular culture. His films and songs continue to be revered and enjoyed by new generations.
(X/ @CinetecaMexico)
Over the years, the cinema has faced various challenges, including competition from new movie complexes and changes in entertainment consumption habits. After giving movie-goers the chance to enjoy two movies for one ticket, The Florida Cinema suffered a fire in 1988 which consumed it entirely. Today, its legacy lives on as an important testimony to the cultural and architectural development of Mexico City in the 20th century. Although it no longer functions as a movie theater, the building remains a historical landmark in the city.
(X/ @cronicas_ciudad)
