OAXACA, MEXICO – In a ceremony rich with history and symbolism, Mayor Daniel Gutierrez of San Pedro Huamelula tied the knot with an unusual bride – a crocodile , as part of a centuries-old indigenous tradition.
Dressed in an elegant all-white gown, the reptilian “bride” was kissed by the mayor in a symbolic union that has been practiced for over 200 years. The ritual is deeply rooted in the culture of Oaxaca’s Chontal and Huave communities and is believed to bring prosperity, bountiful harvests, and abundant catches from the sea.
According to tradition, the mayor is seen as the “king” of the Chontal people, while the crocodile represents a “princess” from the Huave community. Their ceremonial marriage is meant to strengthen the bond between humans and nature.
This unique celebration continues to draw curiosity and admiration from locals and visitors alike, highlighting the enduring power of indigenous customs in modern governance.
