In a unique and culturally significant event, the mayor of San Pedro Huamelula, a small town in southern Mexico, joined in matrimony with a female reptile as part of a traditional ritual believed to bring prosperity to the community.
According to Aro Okeigbo Blog, Victor Hugo Sosa, the mayor of San Pedro Huamelula, which is home to the Indigenous Chontal people, participated in a symbolic ceremony where he wedded a caiman named Alicia Adriana, reenacting a sacred ancestral tradition.
The caiman, resembling an alligator and native to Mexico and Central America, played the role of the reptilian bride in this unusual union.
With deep conviction, Mayor Sosa expressed his unwavering commitment to the reptile, affectionately referred to by the locals as “the princess girl.” He proclaimed his dedication during the ceremonial event, emphasizing the essence of a meaningful marriage and the genuine love shared between them.
This extraordinary matrimonial ritual has been observed for the past 230 years, commemorating the historic reconciliation between two Indigenous groups. The wedding symbolizes the union of a Chontal king and a princess from the Huave Indigenous community, resolving conflicts between the two groups.
The Huave people reside in the coastal regions of Oaxaca state, close to the inland town of San Pedro Huamelula.
Jaime Zarate, the town’s historian, explained that the wedding ceremony holds great significance as it allows both communities to connect with the essence of Mother Earth, seeking blessings from powerful forces for rain, abundant harvests, and overall harmony for the Chontal people.
Before the marriage rites, the caiman is paraded throughout the town, giving the townsfolk an opportunity to interact with and dance alongside her. Adorned in a vibrant green skirt, a meticulously hand-embroidered tunic, and a headdress embellished with ribbons and sequins, the caiman captivates the attention of the community.
To ensure a safe and incident-free ceremony, the caiman’s snout is securely fastened shut, preventing any unforeseen mishaps during the proceedings.