With hugs and kisses, Mexican mayor marries a female crocodile dressed in wedding gown
Domestic History
In the south of Mexico, San Pedro Huamelula Mayor Daniel Gutierrez attended the wedding ceremony with a woman reptiration. The ritual represents a symbolic union to maintain harmony and to celebrate the bond of ancestors between indigenous communities.
Ritual is part of the cultural practice in Mexico. Two years ago, Mayor Victor Hugo Sosa held a similar wedding. “I accept responsibility because we love each other. This is important. You can’t have a marriage without love … I give the princess to marriage to girl,” Sosa said during the event.
Representing peace between domestic groups
Tradition points to the peaceful unity between the two domestic groups – Chontal and Huave. According to local history, the original ritual began to marry a Chondal king, who is now symbolized by the mayor, to a Huave princess symbolized by Caiman, a region -specific crocity -like creature.
While the people of Huave live on the shores of Oaxaca, San Pedro Huamelula lies in the interior. Marriage ritual reflects a spiritual and cultural connection with nature and history.
Ritual dress and regiment
Before the wedding, the repticted town is crossed. Wearing a wedding dress, Caiman moves from home to house. The inhabitants embrace him and dance in the celebration. Its nose is closed for security. He then wears a white bridal dress and was taken to the town hall for the ceremony.
Symbolic gestures for prosperity
After the ceremony, the mayor and the bride dance into traditional music. Mayor, “We are happy because we celebrate the unity of two cultures. People are satisfied.”
The celebration ends with the mayor’s placement in the Crocodile’s nose and completing the symbolic wedding that the locals believe that they bring blessing from nature.
