The Eagle people of Cuetzalan
Cuetzalan, a magical town nestled in the mountains near Puebla, Mexico, is a sacred land of ancient warriors whose strength endures through generations. Each day, its people set out in search of sustenance, navigating an ever more challenging path toward survival. Yet, despite the hardships, they remain deeply rooted in their traditions, preserving customs and religious ceremonies that make time feel as if it stands still. Their weary faces tell stories of sacrifice and resilience, carrying the spirit of mythological beings within them. In this forgotten corner, where modernity creeps ever forward, humble and hardworking souls continue to uphold a way of life untouched by the rush of technology.
Miguel, one of the most experimented Eagle man, a coffee plantation laborer returning home after the faena
Rodrigo, one of the younger Eagle man, selling his ice cream on the street everyday.
The religion has been adopted and adapted to their daily lives and they coexist with each other, accepting each other but without leaving aside their own gods. Every weekend they must share their space and spirituality to keep their traditions alive. In this duality, a mythical being that some call the eagle man takes special importance, a real character who is part of an important ceremony or ritual.
Every weekend “The Voladores” group called “Mayoyohuatles” as they are locally known, perform a religious ritual ceremony. The flying dance ceremony is a cultural expression rooted inn central Mexico and the Quiche region of Guatemala, lasting for more than 2,000 tears. This fascinating ritual combines cosmogony, mysticism and a deep sense of connection with nature and ancestors. Discover how fliers, men and women rise into the air thanks to a majestic tree that symbolizes the union between earth and heaven. This ceremony has been declared intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO since 2009, highlighting its value as an intangible legacy of humanity and its importance in the preservation of cultural diversity.
For them, flying is more than just an act, it is a sacred expression of freedom and gratitude, a moment of transcendence where they break away from the constraints of the earthly world. With each ascent into the skies, they embrace the boundless expanse of the universe, surrendering to the wind as if carried by unseen forces that connect them to something far greater than themselves. They embody the essence of the eagle, soaring effortlessly through the heavens, their wings slicing through the air with an undeniable sense of purpose and strength. Under the watchful gaze of mere mortals, they rise above, not just in flight but in spirit, reclaiming their place among the elements, if only for a moment, before gravity calls them home once more.
The flyers, after asking permission from the forest guardians, prepare for the ritual at the consecrates tree, where ceremonial dances are performed.
Five or more brave men or women ascend, at the top of the “flying stick” invoking the wind and the rains with bows towards the cardinals points.
To the rhythm of the flute and drum, the fliers perform the impressive dance flight, spreading their wings towards life and death, watering rain and seeds for the continuity of existence.
I found out about Los Voladores of Cuetzalan when I saw a video presentation on one of my class at Roberto Mata School of Photography and it caught my attention immediately, it was shown as part of a show but I always thought there was something more behind that show. It was 2024 when I had the opportunity to travel on a photographic journey with two documentary photographer Julio Estrada and Kike Arnal from Long Distance expeditions. We lived with the flyers for ten days and then I confirmed my inicial thought, it was not just a spectacle but rather an old religious ceremony to celebrate life, freedom and keep ancestral traditions alive. Today sitting in my desk, I remember every one of those moments with nostalgic, I would love to have the courage and ability of those “EAGLE PEOPLE” to fly and feel free even if it’s just a moment.
By Michel Catalan