After several months of documentation, promotion and management, the thousand year old tradition of the Papantla Flying Men, which is part or “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular”, was recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World by the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization, UNESCO.

But, who are the Papantla Flying Men and why are they such recognized? More than 15 centuries ago, in a Mexican region called the Huasteca, a risky ritual was designed to make the men could be listened by gods. Their offering consisted of a simple but mesmerizing melody, and the beating heart when jump into the void.

Five men ascend by a tree trunk approximately 30 meters high. They represent the four cardinal points, north, south, east and west, and the center. This last one takes his place at the top of the tree trunk, and with a flute and a little drum, starts to play a soft, clear melody which could seems the echo of nature at the Huasteca.

During the representation of this ritual within Xcaret Mexico Espectacular at the Gran Tlachco, spectators keep a tense, respectful silence. All of them look at the “foreman” playing and dancing over that little platform at the top of the trunk, while the other men tie their feet with thick strings. “Oh, ah!” is the only one sound breaking in the sweet song when the four men jump into the void simulating the flight of the birds.

At the end, a standing ovation welcomes to the flying men who have revived for Xcaret visitors this ritual which twins many cultures of the Huasteca and is a cultural icon of Mexico in the entire world.

The award of UNESCO to the Papantla Flying men such as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World reflects the dignity of Mexico's pre-Hispanic roots, a priceless treasure that can be strongly revived at Xcaret. Come and admire the Papantla Flying Men at Xcaret, Mexico's Sacred Paradise!