Dancers practice on instruments at the festival in honor of Cuauhtemoc in Ixcateopan, Mexico. The remains of the last Aztec leader are said to be kept in the town, though scientists are dubious the bones belonged to Cuauhtemoc. (Daniel Hernandez / Los Angeles Times)
Dancers signal the four directions of the compass in a ceremony outside the church that houses Aztec leader Cuauhtemoc’s supposed remains. (Daniel Hernandez / Los Angeles Times)
Ceremonial dancers known as voladores from Papantla perform the “Dance of the Fliers” in Ixcateopan, Mexico, during the ceremony in honor of Cuauhtemoc. (Daniel Hernandez / Los Angeles Times)
The remains purported to belong to Cuauhtemoc are arrayed in skeletal formation, surrounded by flowers and offerings, on an altar in the former Church of Santa Maria de Ascunsion in Ixcateopan, Mexico. Dancers burn candle and incense in Cuauhtemoc’s honor. (Daniel Hernandez / Los Angeles Times)
A dancer on the central plaza of Ixcateopan, Mexico, helps celebrate Aztec leader Cuauhtemoc’s birthday. (Daniel Hernandez / Los Angeles Times)
A celebrant speaks during a ceremony honoring the last Aztec leader, Cuauhtemoc, in Mexico City. (Yuri Cortez /AFP/Getty Images)
