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Voladores outside the Anthropology Muesum
The 'Voladores de Papantla' are Totonac Indians traditionally from Veracruz. The voladores rite is a traditional act of worship. The voladores climb to the top of a tall pole, wind ropes around the pole, and then leap off into the air. As the ropes unwind, they descend slowly to the ground.
Volador means "he who flies". It is breathtaking to watch the spectacle of four men gracefully "flying" upside down from a 75 foot pole secured only by a rope tied around their waists. Even more amazing is the musician, called the caporal. Standing on the end of the pole without a rope or safety net, the caporal dances while playing a drum and flute.
Of course, I asked one of these flying wonders to take my video camera up with him! The video is spectacular, and due out on DVD soon!
Voladores outside the Anthropology Muesum
The 'Voladores de Papantla' are Totonac Indians traditionally from Veracruz. The voladores rite is a traditional act of worship. The voladores climb to the top of a tall pole, wind ropes around the pole, and then leap off into the air. As the ropes unwind, they descend slowly to the ground.
Volador means "he who flies". It is breathtaking to watch the spectacle of four men gracefully "flying" upside down from a 75 foot pole secured only by a rope tied around their waists. Even more amazing is the musician, called the caporal. Standing on the end of the pole without a rope or safety net, the caporal dances while playing a drum and flute.
Of course, I asked one of these flying wonders to take my video camera up with him! The video is spectacular, and due out on DVD soon!
