cuetzalan

located in the mountainous north-eastern part of the mexican state of puebla, ciudad de cuetzalan is a small town of about 6000 inhabitants. in 2002, cuetzalan was named a "puebla magico", a title given to communities that are worth visiting because of their natural beauty, cultural richness, traditions, folklore or historical relevance - and of course to increase tourism.

during the week, cuetzalan is quite sleepy. but on weekends is's the opposite when the central area of the town transforms into a huge market. so many people from the surrounding villages, many of them still wearing traditional clothes, visit the town to buy their weekly needs and also - as it is sunday - to attend church service.

cuetzalan is also well known for a special tradition: danza de los voladores. this traditional ritual that is performed by five men who climb a a 30-meter pole from which four of the five then launch themselves tied on their legs with ropes to descend circling upside down around the pole to the ground. the fifth stays on top of the pole, dancing and playing a flute and drum. usually this ritual is part of the annual holy day to celebrate the town patron francis of assisi. but also on any sunday, this is performed for tourists a few times.