Oct 17, 2010

Mexico City’s Flyers

Just outside the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City the Voladores (flyers) soar high above the ground with just a rope expertly entwined on one leg to keep them from plummeting to the ground.


The Voladores, Totonac Indians who come from the state of Veracruz, perform this ancient indigenous ceremony several times a day.


Four men, who represent the four corners of the earth, ascend a pole about 100 feet high one by one. A fifth plays a flute.


The pole represents the tie between the heavens, the earth and the underworld. After reaching the top the flyers slowly descend spinning around the pole until they reach the ground.


The ceremony takes place outside the museum in the afternoon. The Museum of Anthropology, one of the finest in the world, shouldn’t be missed if you make your way to Mexico City.

8 comments:

Lakshmi said...

wow..thats quite a feat..did you visit Hong kong ?

Wendy said...

Lakshmi, I head to Hong Kong the end of next week.

Catherine said...

I never tire of watching them - some very nice shots here...

Fly Girl said...

How lucky you are Wendy, to witness such an exciting scene. Veracruz is one of my favorite regions in Mexico so I'm thrilled that the flyers hail from there. Great pix.

Photo Cache said...

very nice coverage. i wonder what's the history behind this.

Wendy said...

Catherine, I can see why.

Permanent Traveler, Thank you

Fly Girl and Photo Cache, Thank you and I think you would love to see this.

Priyank said...

Oh I'm excited because I'll be there next week!

Priyank said...

Hi Wendy, It took me ages, but I blogged about it now: http://priyank.com/travel/2011/06/18/flying-men-maya-dance-mexico-city/