The voladores de Papantla are part of the culture of our region. Originally the rite of the voladores was a religious manifestation. Today the dance is not only practiced in Papantla, but has spread to other communities and its presentations have even reached Europe.
Currently, western and modern elements have been incorporated into the dance and costumes for greater visual appeal.
The costume of the “bird-man” is full of colors and essence of the Totonaca culture. It consists of a plume-like cap that symbolizes a Quetzal, small mirrors that represent the rays of the sun and colored ribbons that represent the rainbow after the rain falls.
In their costume they also wear woven flowers, representing the fertility of the earth and the red pants symbolize the blood of the deceased voladores. They also carry two velvet half circles simulating the wings of a bird.
Since 2009 the ceremony of the Voladores was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The dance is a ritual not to be missed when visiting the region.
