Amid cheers, dances and well-wishes, the mayor of a town in southern Mexico married a female caiman, a traditional ritual to ask for prosperity and abundance for his fellow citizens.
Victor Hugo Sosa, mayor of San Pedro Huamelula, a zontal tribal community on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (southern Oaxaca state), declares his love for Alicia Adriana, a reptilian bride who plays the role of “little princess” in this classic. Celebration.
“I accept this responsibility because we love each other: that is what matters, if we do not love each other there will be no marriage. We love each other and I agree to marry the princess”The mayor announced proudly.
The union between a male and female Cayman has been celebrated in the city for more than 230 years, commemorating the day when the region’s two ethnic groups, the Huaws and the Sondales, united through marriage.
According to tradition, the conflict between the two cities was sparked by King Sondal, now represented by the mayor, and the Huave Princess of San Mateo del Mar, a reptile.
The union allows “To connect with Mother Earth, to ask for rain, for seeds to sprout, for peace, the Sondal Man’s Reconciliation”San Pedro Huamelula columnist Jaime Jared explains.
Before the wedding, Alicia Adriana wears a green skirt, a black hubil, and a headdress made of colored ribbons and sequins, and is taken from house to house by the locals to dance with her. To avoid problems, its mouth is well connected.
She then wore a white wedding dress with silver trim and drove to town hall to marry a city council member.
Community fisherman Joel Vasquez casts his net and shares his hope that marriage will be auspicious. “A good fishing, so to find ways to live with prosperity and peace and good balance”.
After the wedding, the mayor dances with his wife to the rhythm of the town’s traditional music.
“Today’s wedding makes us very happy because we celebrate the confluence of two cultures. People are happy.”Mr Sosa assured AFP.
The dance ends with a kiss that seals the union between the king and the princess.
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