Mexican mayor weds alligator to bring prosperity and abundance to his town

A Mexican mayor made his way to the altar to marry an alligator because of an ancient ritual.

Victor Hugo Sosa, Mayor of a south-western Mexican town called San Pedro Huamelula showed his commitment to his culture by marrying an alligator known as “little princess” as part of a ritual that is supposed to bring prosperity and abundance to the town.

Since pre-Hispanic times, indigenous villagers in this town have believed that the alligator represents a deity and that the marriage between this earthly god and their leader will bring about an abundance of resources to support the local fishing industry.

“We ask nature for enough rain, for enough food, that we have fish in the river,” said Mr Sosa.

With this belief firmly at the centre of the community, Mr Sosa took the leap and married “little princess” in a lavish service that was accompanied by dancers and ceremonial songs.

Along with the indigenous traditions, catholic ones were also incorporated. The small alligator was dressed in white among other colours with an accompanying veil that was swept away from her tightly tied snout.

The day prior she was baptized as part of the Catholicism practices, something her godmother Elia Edith says is a “very beautiful tradition”.

“It gives me so much happiness and makes me proud of my roots,” she said of the overall ritual which has been practiced by the Chontal and Huave indigenous communities.

This is a yearly occurrence in the town of San Pedro Huamelula, with every new mayor required to marry a budding alligator.