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Los Voladores, or the Voladores de Papantla, are a group of indigenous performers from the Totonac people of Mexico, particularly associated with the town of Papantla in the state of Veracruz. The Voladores de Papantla are known for their breathtaking ritualistic performance, which involves climbing a tall pole and then descending in a spiral motion while playing music.
The ritual of the Voladores dates back centuries and is considered a form of religious ceremony and cultural expression. It is believed to have originated as a way to honor the gods and seek their favor for a bountiful harvest. The ritual is typically performed on festive occasions, such as religious holidays or community celebrations.
During the performance, five performers climb a tall pole, often over 30 meters high, using ropes tied around their waists. Once at the top, four of the performers attach themselves to the ropes and launch themselves off the platform, descending in a spiral motion while the fifth performer remains at the top, playing traditional music on a flute and drum. The descent is symbolic of the descent of the gods to earth and is meant to invoke fertility and abundance for the community.
The Voladores de Papantla are recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting the importance of preserving this ancient tradition for future generations. Today, you can still witness performances by the Voladores in various parts of Mexico, where they continue to captivate audiences with their awe-inspiring feats and cultural significance.
Here, in between performances, one of the Voladores play an indigenous flute, known as a quena.