danza de los voladores

 

that was what I had been wanting to see ever since I had heard about them

years ago

 

dance of the fliers

 

 

this is an ancient ritual/ceremony

that is still performed today

 

5 men climb a 30 meter pole (almost 100') to a platform on top

the man in the center plays a flute and drum

as the other 4 fall off the platform

 

 

to spin out on ropes

 

it was evening in Vallarta and there is a permanent pole just off the malecon

los volvadores fly on a regular basis for tips

the tips are used to keep this tradition alive in their hometowns

 

 

they were very sweet about letting us take a photo

 

here are some photos from the web that are way better

than mine

 

 

 at the top

 

they represent the 4 cardinal directions - east, south, west and north

as well as the 4 elements - earth, water, fire and air

 

 

throwing themselves off

 

 

flying down

 

 

it so looks like fun

 

 

we had a great time

thanks A. for knowing about the pole on the malecon

it was a wonderful surprise and gift to see the fliers

 

 

 

on my last evening in Vallarta

finally in the right place at the right time

 

 

ah, Mexico

thanks for your magic

 so hard to leave - I will be back