SAN PEDRO HUAMELULA, Mexico, July 3 (Reuters) – In the southern Mexican town of San Pedro Huamelula, a unique celebration occurs annually. It is the symbolic marriage between the town’s mayor and a live alligator-like reptile.
This ritual is rooted in more than 230 years of tradition. It represents the union of two of Oaxaca state’s indigenous cultures – the Chontal and the Huave. The community believes it brings prosperity to them.
This year, Mayor Daniel Gutierrez took part in the ceremony. He married “princess girl,” a female caiman. The caiman is a reptile that closely resembles the alligator.
The caiman is known by the name given to her by the town: Miguelana Estela del Mar Zavaleta Ramirez.
As part of the ritual, the reptile is dressed in a white wedding gown. It is paraded through the town. During this time, it visits homes as residents dance to festive music.
Finally, Gutierrez seals the symbolic union with a ceremonial kiss, symbolizing his love and commitment to his ethnic group.
The caiman symbolizes the Huave princess, while Gutierrez represents the Chontal king. As the legend goes, a royal marriage between the two groups centuries ago ended a long-standing conflict. Hundreds of years later, the ritual continues as a symbol of peace and unity.
