Roberto Gonzalez
Voladores of Papantla
There is a pole right at the entrance to the Tajin Archaeological Park. Suddenly, several groups of visitors congregated, as five men dressed in red and white with embroidered velvet aprons and hood shaped hats lined with flowers and mirrors, appeared. One of them carried a drum and flute, one in each hand. They gathered all around the base of the post and suddenly the musicians began to climb the pole. Each musician does the same while others find their place, in each of the cardinal points, and tied the legs. When one got to the top, he sat in the middle and started spinning the pole while playing repetitive music that favors the Flyers trance and spectators.
From the post, 30 feet high, the four men pick along, and it symbolizes rain fall. The pole rotates slowly as they approach the ground. Each flies around the pole 13 times before they reach the ground, for a total of 52 turns that symbolizes the 52 years of the Mesoamerican calendar. The pole represents the connection between Earth, Heaven, and Infinity. If any of the spectators applaud the flying bent legs and feet touching hands, be aware that this is a very difficult maneuver that only lasts a few seconds. One cannot help but be silent during the mesmerizing movements of the Flyers and close your mouth in awe after you are so surprised.
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