Some Curious Facts About The El Tajín Site
The historical complex of El Tajín is one more example of the overwhelming archaeological wealth that Mexico has. In this case, it is a huge deposit located in the state of Veracruz, an area where the descendants of the Totonacs continue to live, the culture that had this place of El Tajín as its great capital .
El Tajín and its mysteries
The truth is that this old pre-Hispanic city began to be excavated already in the 18th century, and it has been showing its monuments little by little.
With them, archaeologists and studies have made countless speculations, since in many cases there are more doubts than certain data about the Totonac culture. Perhaps that is why a visit to the El Tajín complex is so fascinating. So next, we will tell you some of its most curious data.
Tajín, the Totonac capital
The first thing to say is that although the Totonacs continued to live in the current state of Veracruz, what was their monumental capital, El Tajín, would be abandoned long before the arrival of the Spanish. In other words, by the time Mexico was gradually conquered by Hernán Cortés, El Tajín has been hidden in the jungle for a long time.
Therefore, there was no destruction suffered by other Aztec or Mexican sites. That is the reason why today they are ruins in a magnificent state of conservation.
Thus, the visit to El Tajín becomes a most pleasant experience. Pleasant and cultural, since it is a place that has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
The Pyramid of the Niches
The most emblematic monument of the site is the so-called Pyramid of the Niches. It is an incredible stepped pyramid whose walls are obviously full of niches. You can count as many niches as days, since it is supposed to be like an immense agricultural calendar for the Totonac people.
As in other pre-Columbian archaeological sites, for example in the Inca city of Machu Picchu, it is a place that was planned taking into account its orientation and its relationship with the stars. In fact, this pyramid is aligned with a nearby hill that makes the sun shine in the morning, marking certain niches in the façade. Fantastic and mysterious.
Ball games
It is also common in other pre-Hispanic sites, such as the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itza, that there is a space called the Ball Game. However, there is no place in all of America that has as many courts as El Tajín, there are up to 17 scattered throughout the monumental complex.
The Dance of the Flyers
When visiting El Tajín, travelers not only enjoy the architectural ruins and stone decorations that have appeared. It is also discovered that the current Totonac people struggle to maintain their traditions. And in this sense, you can see the representation of the Dance of the Flyers.
It is a risky game in which five men climb a large pole fixed to the ground. And once up there, four of them go down doing pirouettes to the rhythm of the music. What is represented by it? A Totonac rite according to which it manifests itself as the Sun comes to touch the Earth and thus illuminates men.
Tajín Summit
If you travel towards the middle of March, perhaps your trip coincides with the Tajín Summit, or Fiesta de la Identidad. A first-class event that is held here and in the most immediate towns to celebrate the ancestral culture of this territory in a festive and artistic way. You can enjoy concerts, shows, conferences or exhibitions.
The city of Papantla
Since you are visiting El Tajín, we recommend you go to the beautiful town of Papantla, located about 10 kilometers from the archaeological site. It is a town that keeps all the charm of old Mexico. In fact, Papantla is one of the so-called Magical Towns, which is why it is the perfect complement to take an excursion from El Tajín.
