Ritual Ceremony of the Voladores The ceremony of the Voladores de Papantla is a cultural tradition of the Totonac people of Veracruz. The tradition dates back to ancient times and has been passed down through the generations. The voladores, "fliers," sometimes called hombres pajaro, "bird men," launch themselves from the top of a pole of up to 150 feet in height, and slowly descend circling the pole. It is a breathtaking spectacle performed at a great height. The ritual begins with five men circling a tall pole. One of the men plays music with a flute and a small drum. They then climb the pole, and position themselves on a small wooden rotating platform at the top. The man playing the music is called the caporal. He stands in the center, playing his flute and drum, and does a dance, facing each of the four cardinal directions in turn. This is one of the most tense moments for the audience as he performs his dance standing at the top of a pole without a harness or any protection.