(Travel) – A key event during one of the many “Fiestas de Santiago” festivities in Mexico, the dancing and flying men of Cuetzalan (not to be confused with The Flying Men of Papantla) offer an amazing spectacle with plenty of cultural and religious meaning.

They are a favorite at the “Fiestas” de Santiago Yancuictlalpan, celebreated each year near Cuetzálan Puebla, a few hours from Mexico City. This is not just a show, it is a tradition for which each one of the flying men prepares during several days prior to the big moment. The preparation includes fasting, prayer, solidarity in community, and reflection.

In some occasions, this may be a passing ceremony for a young man, and to be included in this group is considered an honor.

The “Fiestas de Santiago Apostol” celebrated on July 25 each year, are a well attended festivity for those who religiously celebrate this and other Catholic traditions. I attended this event and took video with my Iphone in July, 2012, and I must say it felt magical to witness the religiosity and fervor of this important group of Native-Mexicans –many of them speak Nahuatl in addition to Spanish.

Content by Lupita Peimbert, a bilingual writer and publisher focusing on art, travel, culture, and life. If you like this announcement, support me by

Following  @Lupitanews
Like on Facebook: Lupitanews
Spanish-languge Facebook: Lupitanews en Español
Support independent storytelling by joining Lupitanews.com