In a unique and centuries-old tradition, the mayor of San Pedro Huamelula, a small town in southern Mexico, recently tied the knot with a female reptile named Alicia Adriana. Victor Hugo Sosa, the mayor of this Indigenous Chontal community, participated in the ritual to bring good fortune to his people, as onlookers clapped and danced in celebration.
The reptile in question is a caiman, a species similar to an alligator, found in marshes throughout Mexico and Central America. Sosa embraced the ceremonial union, expressing his love for Alicia Adriana during the traditional rite. The marriage between a man and a female caiman has been practiced in San Pedro Huamelula for 230 years, commemorating a significant event when two Indigenous groups reconciled through the symbolic act of matrimony.
Legend has it that tensions were resolved when a Chontal king, now represented by the mayor, married a princess from the Huave Indigenous group, symbolized by the female alligator. The Huave people reside along the coast of Oaxaca state, not far from San Pedro Huamelula.
This marriage ritual serves as a means for the communities to connect with the earth’s symbolism and invoke blessings such as rain, seed germination, and harmony for the Chontal people. The caiman, adorned in a green skirt, a vibrant hand-embroidered tunic, and a headdress embellished with ribbons and sequins, is paraded through the town, allowing residents to embrace and dance with her. To ensure a smooth ceremony, the reptile’s snout is securely bound.
Following these pre-wedding festivities, the caiman is dressed in a white bride’s costume and brought to the town hall for the official ceremony. Local fisherman Joel Vasquez plays a role by casting his net and invoking the town’s collective wish for abundant fishing, prosperity, and peaceful coexistence.
As the wedding concludes, the mayor dances joyously with his reptilian bride to the accompaniment of traditional music. Sosa expressed his happiness about the union of two cultures, emphasizing the contentment and celebration among the townspeople.
As a final gesture, the mayor plants a kiss on the caiman’s snout, sealing their symbolic matrimony. This distinctive ritual reflects the deep-rooted traditions and customs of the Chontal people, offering a fascinating glimpse into their cultural heritage.
While the ceremony may seem unconventional to outsiders, it holds significant meaning for the community, representing unity, harmony, and a connection with their ancestral roots. The marriage between the mayor and the crocodile symbolizes the shared history and cooperation between Indigenous groups in the region.
Sources By Agencies
