ALL AGES came out to heal the Earth with music at the 8,000 Drums Ceremony earlier this afternoon.
About 40 people banged their drums for about two hours and weren't the only ones as the event took place all around the world.
"The energy from the beat of the drum has tremendous healing capabilities that can be directed to anyone or anything,” said organizer Brigitte Watts after the event was announced on Facebook earlier this month.
The ceremony of 8,000 Sacred Drums is part of the ancient Otomi culture and tradition, and it has a history of at least 4,000 years, from the ancient holy city of Cuicuilco, Mexico.
It is based on following sacred prophecy made by Otomi elders: “the day when the sounds of 8,000 drums join together, is the beginning of healing for our Earth and all its living creatures.”
According to oral history, with the eruption of Xitle volcano, a pilgrimage arrived at the Valley of Toluca and founded the Sacred City of Ndongu (located in the actual Sierra Otomi of Temoaya), where this tradition was continued.
With the arrival of the Aztecs to the Valley of Mexico almost 700 years ago, the city of Ndongu was called “Xiquipilco,” which means “Place of the Eight Thousand,” as this place had been used to gather 8,000 drums for rituals, ceremonies, healings and holidays.
This tradition developed for celebrations and important dates, to honour the ceremonial centres and sacred places, and especially to maintain harmony with the Earth and the universe.