Volador wiping flowers over onlookers during the ritual Voladores preparation in Mexico
The Danza de los Voladores (Dance of the Flyers), or Palo Volador (Pole Flying), is an ancient Mesoamerican ceremony/ritual still performed today, albeit in modified form, in isolated pockets in Mexico. It is believed to have originated with the Nahua, Huastec and Otomi peoples in central Mexico, and then spread throughout most of Mesoamerica. The ritual consists of dance and the climbing of a 30 meter pole from which four of the five participants then launch themselves tied with ropes to descend to the ground. The fifth remains on top of the pole, dancing and playing a flute and drum. According to one myth, the ritual was created to ask the gods to end a severe drought. Although the ritual did not originate with the Totonac people, today it is strongly associated with them, especially those in and around Papantla in the Mexican state of Veracruz. The ceremony was named an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in order to help the ritual survive and thrive in the modern world. Many modern Voladores are performed on metal poles due to deforestation in Puebla and Veracruz but this new site has a stripped tree trunk. The image shows the preparation by the Volador of the chosen site, from staining the tree trunk and preparing food, flowers, a chicken and throwing all these into the hole together with a lit cigarette to represent the different elements. During the ritual the haunting sound of the flute and drum can be heard being played by the Volador. The tree was then raised into the hole by a crane. The ritual generated media interest and included at the ritual were representatives from the tourist board and local dignitries.
Size: 4928px × 3263px
Location: Atlixco, Puebla State, Mexico
Photo credit: © rsdphotography / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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