We were busy being herded into line to wait for a trolley to take us from the entry of Tulum to the entry into the ruins when I looked up…my mind was having a hard time processing this wonderful sight, that led to more as my eyes scanned beyond the line of people in front of me
A performance was about to begin by Los Voladores de Papantla (The Flyers of Papantla). The ceremony and ritual performed by these men is one that is said to have begun some 450 years ago in the mountains of Veracruz, Mexico, to appease the gods who were thought to be causing a drought. The ritual is carried out by various groups around Mexico, and we were lucky to see them here in Tulum, as well as in Playa del Carmen on another day. I’ve combined my photos from both places here. The ritual consists of the Voladores performing a short dance around a pole, followed by four men climbing the 30 meter pole, plus one elder or chief who will perform a ceremony at the top on a small platform with a flute, whose music represents bird song; the costume hat’s flowers signify fertility, the mirrors represent the sun, and the ribbons represent the rainbow.
La Danza/the dance
Heading up to fly
I’ll put a few more photos into a gallery, click on any photo to open the gallery
I will show more photos on my next post of the Voladores hanging out prior to and after performances. Beautiful faces.
AngelineM's Blog 
Seems as though you’re having the most marvellous time Angeline – so happy for you! Happy New Year 🙂
LikeLike
It was wonderful exploring this area of Mexico. Happy New Year to you too….good to see you back.
LikeLike
Wow! What a spectacular show! And so beautifully captured. Is this a daily ritual Angeline?
LikeLike
Indeed it is spectacular. They perform at multiple times throughout the day
LikeLike
What a fantastic performance! Thank you so much for the fab post, Angeline!
LikeLike
My pleasure!
LikeLike
Wow beautiful photos!
LikeLike
Thanks, Nicole. It was an incredible time.
LikeLike
Ow, the colors, so cool in the eyes. Your images are exquisite too! You captured the scene perfectly for us to see as well. Sorry to bring it up but I can’t help to think how the symbolisms remind me of Native Indian costumes. Looks so good, AngelineM. Maybe your best post ever. And I can’t wait for the next installment.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Rommel. I also thought about their costume reminded me of Native American clothing from years ago, as did their dance prior to going up the pole.
I was using a new camera here, and I’m loving it! I’m working on the next set.
LikeLike
This is definitely quite spectacular! Every time, I’m baffled! Looks like you too had a great time seeing them.
LikeLike
Thanks, Juls! I was in awe and watched in Playa del Carmen for two of their shows in the plaza.
LikeLike
Great shots. I saw a troupe like this in Excaret back in 2011. I wonder if they’re the same group.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jaspa. There seem to be a number of these troupes, we saw the ones in Tulum, and then it was a different group in Playa del Carmen.
LikeLike
Amazing photos Angeline! I was there 4 years ago and loved it – its magical 🙂 How lucky you were to experience this! Thank you for sharing! Happy 2014 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Anne. We’ve been in Mexico before, but never this area and we love it too. It is so beautiful.
Happy New Year to you too!
LikeLike
Amazing Shots!! I felt as if I was there with you.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Sangeeta. Glad you’ve enjoyed it and took the virtual trip with me.
LikeLike
Fabuloso. Didn’t we see them at Hemisfair so many years ago? I seem to remember…
Giannina, aunt Carmen’s Giannina? Hello to you, too!
Rosalyn
LikeLike
We did see them at Hemisfair! I had seen them in Mexico when I was little, I forget in what little town…truly impressive to a little kid, and still truly impressive as an adult, especially when you know the story behind the ceremony.
Yes, that is Aunt Carmen’s Giannina 🙂
LikeLike
wow, how amazing Angeline! Such extraordinary costumes, all that colour and detail, I have never seen anything like it … and then to FLY!!!
LikeLike
Thanks, Christine. The costumes are lovely with such attention to detail. Yes! And then they fly, arms spread out to the gods and the universe.
LikeLike
so stunnning! bravo~
LikeLike
Thanks, Cindy. I feel humbled to have captured this through my lens.
LikeLike
What a great series of shots, love the first portrait…enjoy the travels and the journey in 2014!
LikeLike
Thank you Dalo. I could not believe my eyes; the first two portraits are what I saw first and just snapped, still trying to believe this stunning scene before me. I shall indeed enjoy the journey of 2014. Thanks for stopping to leave me a comment, happy New Year to you.
LikeLike
Excellent blog post!! Loved the information provided and then images.
LikeLike
Thanks! The history is amazing, as are these men who perform.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing! I want to add this to my list. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Lesley. Yes, definitely add this to that bucket list…along with the whole Yucatan Peninsula; it’s so beautiful.
LikeLike
Gosh you were lucky to see such a colourful spectacle. The embroidery and head dresses are fantastic. Don’t think I’d fancy flying around by my feet though.
LikeLike
We were indeed lucky to see this, both times purely by chance.
LikeLike
Great photos!!! great writing.
LikeLike
Gracias mi prima querida! Memories?
LikeLike