Flying Men
Four bird men of Totonacan blood will descend from the top of the universal tree, doing circles in the air. 30 meters above ground the leader dances and plays pre-Hispanic instruments.

These are the Papantla Flying Men worshipping the sun god. This impressive show of courage and faith of the Papantla Flying Men at Xcaret is an ancient ceremony which originated in the state of Veracruz in the Gulf of Mexico to ask for a good harvest and fertility.

The flying men, representing the four elements and the four cardinal points, go up a 30 meter pole and tied by their waist jump head first into the air with their arms open. The fliers make their way down, each of them goes around the pole exactly 13 times which amounts to the number of months in the Mayan calendar.

This ceremony has a deep symbolism: if one of the flying men or elements loses his balance, a natural disaster will occur and they all collapse to the floor. It’s considered a great honor for the performers to be part of this ancient tradition, passed on from father to son. After the flight you can also enjoy the Nahuas dance.

Enjoy the Flight!

Winter
12:30 pm.
01:30 pm.
02:15 pm.

Summer
01:30 pm.
02:30 pm.
03:15 pm.