Sabena Mexico Belgian World Airlines Circa 1960

The vintage travel poster created by Sabena Belgian World Airlines to promote travel to Mexico is a striking example of mid-20th-century aviation advertising. This poster, with its vivid imagery and strong cultural references, was designed to attract European travelers to the vibrant and exotic destination of Mexico.

The centerpiece of the poster is a close-up image of a young woman adorned in traditional Mexican attire, her serene and confident expression bathed in warm sunlight. Her elaborate headdress, rich in color and detail, symbolizes Mexico’s deep cultural heritage. The headdress features bright beads and feathers, with a prominent star-shaped decoration at its center, evoking images of ancient Mexican civilizations and their rich traditions. This visual representation instantly transports the viewer to the heart of Mexico, inviting them to explore its rich history and vibrant culture.

The backdrop of the poster is a deep, unblemished blue sky, which not only enhances the contrast of the colorful attire but also suggests clear, sunny weather—a perfect invitation to potential tourists. The simplicity of the background ensures that all attention is focused on the subject, making the cultural iconography of Mexico the focal point.

At the top of the poster, the word “Mexico” is boldly printed in a clean, modern font, underscoring the destination’s allure. The use of lowercase letters in the title imparts a friendly and approachable feel, while the image of an airplane subtly incorporated next to the text emphasizes the ease and modernity of air travel to this far-off land.

The lower part of the poster prominently features the Sabena logo, with “Belgian World Airlines” elegantly written beneath it. The bold red and white of the Sabena emblem contrast sharply with the cooler tones of the background, ensuring that the brand is unmistakable. This positioning underscores the airline's role in connecting Europe with the wider world, in this case, with the colorful and culturally rich nation of Mexico.

The Sabena poster serves not just as an advertisement but as an invitation to a cultural journey. During the mid-20th century, international air travel was becoming increasingly accessible to a broader audience, and airlines like Sabena were eager to showcase exotic destinations that promised adventure and discovery. Mexico, with its ancient civilizations, vibrant festivals, and stunning landscapes, was an ideal candidate for such promotion.

This poster is a fine example of how travel advertising in the 1960s was not just about selling flights but also about selling an experience. The artwork reflects the allure of Mexico as a destination filled with history, culture, and warmth. For the modern viewer, the poster is a nostalgic reminder of a time when air travel was still a glamorous and adventurous pursuit.

Today, this Sabena travel poster is considered a collectible piece of art, valued for its aesthetic appeal as well as its historical significance. It captures the spirit of an era when air travel was opening up new worlds to explore and when the art of poster design was at its peak, blending cultural imagery with modern design to create something both informative and inspiring.

Original poster

Airline - Tourism - Mexico

Good condition, folds, light missing