A bold wedding in Mexico: a mayor marries a female crocodile in a tradition that has been going on for more than 230 years

Weather of Arabia - Victor Sosa, mayor of San Pedro Huamilola, Mexico, declares his love for creeping animals by tying his marriage to a caiman crocodile called "Alicia Adriana", which is considered the "little princess" in these ancient celebrations.

Their daring wedding takes place amid cheers, dances, and kisses that symbolize the best wishes, in a traditional ritual that restores the spirit of tradition and wishes prosperity and wealth for the citizens. This ceremonial ritual dates back to ancient times in the city of San Pedro Huamilola, home to the indigenous Chuntaya group of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in the southern state of Oaxaca.

The mayor confirmed that he bears this responsibility because of the love he feels for the creeping animal, saying, "There can be no marriage if we do not love each other." He agreed to marry the "Princess".

A tradition dating back more than 230 years

These ceremonies for the marriage of a man and a female caiman crocodile have been held in the city for more than 230 years, to celebrate the day when two ethnic groups in the region, the Huavis and the Chontalis, are united by marriage.

According to prevailing tradition, the disputes between the two cities end with the marriage of King Chontal, who is represented at this ceremony by the mayor, and Princess Huave of San Mateo del Mar, who is represented by a female crocodile.

Writer Jaime Zarate, a resident of the city, confirms that this marriage promotes "contact with the earth" and calls for the growth of plants, rain, peace and coexistence among the members of the Chontal group.

Traditions of celebrating the mayor's marriage to the crocodile

Before the wedding ceremony, Adriana is taken from house to house, where she wears a green skirt, black traditional dress, and a headdress made of colorful ribbons. The locals dance with her, and her mouth is tightly closed to avoid any accidents.

The female crocodile wears a white wedding gown with silver trimmings, and moves to the town hall to marry the mayor. After the wedding, the “groom” dances with his “wife” to the rhythm of the traditional music of the city.

The dance ends with a kiss that cements the marriage between the king and the princess.