The Magic of the Cities.

Zen promotes the rediscovery of the obvious, which is so often lost in its familiarity and simplicity. It sees the miraculous in the common and magic in our everyday surroundings. When we are not rushed, and our minds are unclouded by conceptualizations, a veil will sometimes drop, introducing the viewer to a world unseen since childhood. ~ John Greer

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Birdmen of Mexico III



Want to see them in action?


(Video previously posted)

Ask anyone who's been to Papantla what most impressed them, and they'll probably say, "The Voladores." Many people who've never been to the Gulf Coast -- or even to Mexico - will light up in recognition at the mention of the Voladores. They perform regularly throughout Mexico, Central and South America. They've performed in several cities in the United States, and even in Paris and Madrid. So, who are the Voladores, and why are they famous?

Volador means flyer - he who flies. It is breathtaking to watch the spectacle of four men gracefully "flying" upside down from a 75 foot  pole secured only by a rope tied around their waists.

Even more amazing is the musician, called the caporal. Balanced on a narrow wooden platform without a rope or safety net, the caporal plays a drum and flute and invokes an ancient spiritual offering in the form of a spectacular dance.

 As he turns to face the four cardinal directions, he will bend his head back to his feet, balance on one foot then lean precariously forward, and perform intricate footwork, all the time playing the flute and drum! No matter how many times you see this beautiful performance, it will continue to astonish you, and the plaintive tune of the flute and drum will remain with you long after you have returned home.

music+image

Thanks for visiting, please be sure that I read each and every one of your kind comments, I appreciate them all. Stay tuned.

8 comments:

Sensaciones en Imagenes said...

Me creo que habrá poca gente que por un medio u otro no hayan visto esta actuación, por cierto, de lo más visual, pero la primera foto te ha quedado espupenda con el efecto del agua, muy buena.
Saludos.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Wow that would be a wonderful experience to see, great photos.

brattcat said...

that first image puts us up there with them. marvelous.

Unknown said...

No se por qué no ha quedado reflejado mi anteiror comentario, pero bueno, esto es la bomba y despues de lo que quiero yo a Mexico, encontrar tu blog te puedes imaginar le sientp mio.
Un saludo superafectuoso.

VIVA MEXICO CABRONES.

Sciarada said...

Ciao Carraol, I am convinced that a sculpture would not be able to make the beauty of this piece of human art, captured in your photos!

irinapictures said...

I wonder what they see inside flying up in the sky. Flying sirasana, I can only dream of this experience))

Sill Scaroni Photography said...

Las fotos están lindas pero la primera está perfecta.
Saludos.
Sill

Kate said...

Truly remarkable. Wouldn't catch me doing that, but I'd like to see it.