The Aztec flower war, a ritual battle to capture prisoners for sacrifice, was called Xochiyaoyotl.
The Nahuatl name is often written xōchiyāōyōtl, combining words translated as “flower” and “war.” These conflicts were arranged between the Mexica-led Triple Alliance and rival city-states, especially Tlaxcala, Huejotzingo, and Cholula. Combatants met at agreed places and dates, and the fighting emphasized close combat and individual warrior skill.
Capturing enemies was a major purpose because prisoners could become sacrificial victims, but flower wars were not only religious ceremonies. They also displayed military power, maintained pressure on neighboring states, and gave elite warriors opportunities to gain prestige. Some historians dispute traditional accounts that place their formal origin during the famine of 1450–1454, so that origin story should not be treated as certain.
The common mix-up is confusing Xochiyaoyotl with an Aztec festival such as Tlacaxipehualiztli. The former was a type of ritual warfare; the latter was a festival honoring Xipe Totec.