Excavations near the Feathered Serpent Pyramid in Teotihuacan have revealed a massive, previously hidden ritual pavement covered in a layer of crushed mica. The shimmering surface, which covers nearly 400 square meters, appears to have been designed to reflect the midday sun, creating a blinding visual effect during the height of the ancient city's seasonal processions.
Dr. Elena Gomez, lead researcher at the site, suggests that this architectural feature was central to the Festival of the Plumed Serpent, a major state event honoring Quetzalcoatl. The discovery of associated feasting remains and ceramic offering tubes indicates that thousands of participants would gather on this luminous stage to perform ritual dances and leave offerings to ensure the arrival of the rainy season.