Papantla Flyers

Witness Mexico's flying men

Included in your admission

Come to the stage of the Papantla Flyers, where you will see a tall pole that stands out from the surroundings. Take a seat and watch five men, Mexico flying men climb to the top of the pole. Then, one of them stands on a platform to dance while playing melodies with a flute and a small drum, in honor of the sun and the four elements, which initiates this ritual of “Danza de los Voladores de Papantla”.

Next, the other four dancers, tied by long ropes, fly around the pole in a spiral descent while imitating the flight of birds until they reach the ground.

The ritual ceremony of the Papantla Flyers is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco, an important cultural value that Xcaret park proudly presents.

Watch the Papantla flyers roam through the air!

Ritual dance in three parts. The first is the Dance of Forgiveness to tribute the mountain god to access the area and search for a tree. The second is the Dance of Permission to cut it down, followed by the Dance of Gratitude for its sacrifice. In the end, the cheerful tune of Huahua, which is related to farming, solar, and cosmogonical rituals.