Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador as a way to connect with their gods, the tradition was partially lost after the Spanish conquest....
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):
The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the afternoons, and during the last hours of the nights.’
Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book 2, Hadith 39
The Danza de los Voladores, or the Dance of the Flyers, is a tradition dating back centuries. Once practised by the indigenous peoples of Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador as a way to connect with their gods, the tradition was partially lost after the Spanish conquest.
Today, the dance is usually associated with the Totonac people in the Mexican city of Papantla, where people from all over the world come to watch the impressive ceremony being performed.
Preparation for the dance is a massive undertaking for the entire community. Dozens of volunteers pitch in to cut down a tree and stand it up to be used as a pole for the ceremony.
In this ritual, five individuals climb to the top of a pole more than 100 feet tall.
One man, known as the caporal, stands in the middle on a small, wooden platform playing the flute and drum. There is nothing to support him. There are no safety nets to catch him. One misstep and he falls to his death.
The other four participants are positioned around him. Suspended by ropes, they launch themselves from the top of the pole, twisting like acrobats. Like birds soaring through the air, they spiral majestically 13 times as they descend to the bottom of the pole.
