The Dance of the Voladores [Flying Man, Bird Man] is a ritual performance of the Totonac Indians in the territory of Papantla in the State of Veracruz, Mexico.
Five men climb a pole, what could be to 90 feet height. Each one represents a cardinal direction of the ancient Totonac world: North, South, East, West and Above. Wile one plays a flute and a small drum the others wrap ropes around the pole and tie the ends around their waists. Wile the musicians continues to play, the other four roll over the side of the platform and spin around the pole, getting to the ground as their ropes unwind. Each Volador [English: Flyer] makes thirteen revolts before uplifting themselves and landing on their feet.
According to the legend a long drought covered the land so five man decided to send Xipe Totec [God of fertility] a message, asking for the rain to return. They wend to the forest and cut the straightest tree to take back to their village. They removed all branches and anchored it in the ground, then dressed themselves as birds and descended flying to grab the God's attention.
The costumes are brightly colored having influences from other cultures inherited over the centuries, as from Turkish costumes when a few hundred years ago Turkish settlers came in and were integrated.
In southern Mexico and the Yucatan they are often misleading called the "Mayan Dancers". Truth there are now Mayan influences to since the performers in the Yucatan are usually Maya.
The photo of on of the dancers was taken at a performance at the ruins of Tulum.

Camera Konica Minolta Dimage Z2
Focal length 63mm
F# F/4.5
Exposure 1/640 sec
ISO 50