Watch: Mexico mayor marries crocodile for ‘prosperity’ with kiss and first dance; video goes viral

In a vibrant blend of Indigenous tradition and cultural folklore, the mayor of San Pedro Huamelula in Oaxaca, Mexico, symbolically married a crocodile as part of a 230-year-old ritual.

The ceremony represents a sacred union between two Indigenous communities and is believed to bring prosperity, abundant crops, and harmony to the town. Dressed in a bridal gown, the crocodile—affectionately called “La Niña Princesa”—was paraded through the streets and kissed by the mayor during the festivities. Though unusual to outsiders, this cherished tradition reflects the town’s deep spiritual connection to nature, unity, and its ancestral roots.

Mexican man marries crocodile in Oaxaca ritual of Indigenous unity

At the heart of the ceremony is a meaningful metaphor: the peaceful union between the Chontal and Huave Indigenous peoples. In this symbolic marriage, the mayor stands in for the Chontal people, while the crocodile bride—lovingly referred to as “La Niña Princesa” (the princess girl)—represents the Huave community.The ritual underscores a cultural philosophy deeply rooted in Indigenous cosmology: a harmonious bond between nature, community, and tradition ensures continued prosperity.

The marriage is viewed as a spiritual pact that honors the land, calls for ecological balance, and invokes blessings for abundant harvests and thriving marine life.

Crocodile bride receives heartfelt welcome in traditional Oaxaca wedding

Far from being treated as a novelty or spectacle, the crocodile is regarded with deep reverence throughout the celebration. Preparations begin with a town-wide parade in which the crocodile visits local homes. Residents joyfully dance with her and offer blessings in a ritual of communal welcome.She is then adorned in vibrant traditional attire—a hand-embroidered tunic, a colorful flowing skirt, and a ribbon-laced headdress. For safety during the festivities, her snout is gently tied to avoid any accidental bites. Finally, she is dressed in a white bridal gown and escorted to the town hall, where the symbolic wedding takes place.This careful and affectionate preparation reflects the town’s spiritual connection to nature and its deep-rooted belief in honoring all life as sacred.

Mayor leads symbolic crocodile wedding celebrating Indigenous unity and tradition

During the wedding ceremony, Mayor Daniel Gutiérrez led the rituals as traditional music filled the air. Surrounded by dancing residents, he kissed his scaly bride on the snout and performed the symbolic first dance, embodying the union of the two cultures and their shared destiny.A video of the event, posted on social media, quickly gained attention across the globe—drawing both amusement and admiration. While the ceremony might appear eccentric to outsiders, for the people of San Pedro Huamelula, it is a deeply spiritual and meaningful tradition passed down through generations.

This wasn’t the first time such a ceremony took place. In 2023, another mayor, Victor Hugo Sosa, took part in a similar ritual, marrying a crocodile named Alicia Adriana.

During that event, he declared:“I accept responsibility because we love each other. That is what is important. You can't have a marriage without love.”These ceremonies are more than symbolic—they serve as a cultural preservation of Indigenous customs, reflecting resilience in the face of modernization.

Crocodile wedding renews ties to nature and ancestry

For the people of San Pedro Huamelula, the ritual is a spiritual dialogue with nature. Local lore holds that the union helps to:

The crocodile wedding is a heartfelt plea to nature for blessings in the year ahead, blending ancestral reverence with ecological awareness. It reinforces the community’s belief that spiritual harmony directly influences natural prosperity. In an age where global traditions are increasingly diluted, the crocodile wedding stands as a powerful act of cultural preservation and resilience. It connects people to their roots, fortifies their spiritual identity, and celebrates the relationship between humanity and the environment.

While outsiders may see it as eccentric, to the locals, it is an annual reaffirmation of faith, unity, and hope—a reminder that tradition can adapt, endure, and still inspire in the modern world.Also Read | California woman saves $1,500 a month living in a $500 underground bunker with no utilities or sunlight - and she loves it