What is papalote?

Papalote is a Mexican term for a kite, which is a popular toy in Mexico and other Latin American countries. The word "papalote" comes from the Nahuatl language, which was spoken in ancient Mexico before the Spanish conquest.

Papalotes are typically made from paper or thin plastic and are shaped like diamonds or birds. They are often brightly colored and decorated with designs and patterns. To fly a papalote, a string is attached to the bottom of the kite and held by the flyer, who runs with the kite until it catches the wind and takes flight.

In some areas of Mexico, there are traditional papalote festivals and competitions, where people gather to fly their kites and compete for prizes. Papalotes also have cultural and symbolic significance in some indigenous communities, where they are associated with the gods and spirits of the natural world.