In a unique and ancient practice, the mayor of San Pedro Huamelula, a town in southern Mexico, entered into matrimony with a female crocodile named Alicia Adriana. This traditional wedding ceremony has been observed for 230 years and holds deep cultural significance.
The ritual serves as a symbolic representation of peace and unity between the Chontal and Huave Indigenous communities in southern Mexico. The mayor, donning the role of the Chontal king, undertakes the marriage with the reptile, which embodies the revered “princess girl” of local folklore. During the ceremony, the mayor expressed his commitment and affection, emphasizing the importance of love in a marriage. “I accept responsibility because we love each other. That is what is important. You can’t have a marriage without love… I yield to marriage with the princess girl,” the mayor, Victor Hugo Sosa, stated during the ritual. Preceding the ceremony, the crocodile is taken to various households for dancing, adorned in elaborate attire while its snout is secured shut for safety purposes. The wedding itself takes place at the town hall, where a local fisherman offers prayers for abundant fishing and prosperity. In a joyous celebration of cultural fusion, the mayor joyfully dances with his reptile bride, spreading happiness among the people.
The event culminates with the mayor planting a kiss on the snout of the crocodile, signifying the conclusion of the wedding ceremony. WATCH VIDEO:
As Madrid prepared to take the set piece, Vinicius began pointing animatedly at a fan in the crowd behind the goal. It was obvious that something had been said. After long discussions with teammates and referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, who asked if Vinicius wanted play to be suspended, the game continued, with the crowd being warned over the stadium megaphone about racist abuse. Later, in time added on, a mass brawl in the Valencia box ended with Vinicius being sent off following a red card for slapping Valencia’s Hugo Duro. There was then a further confrontation with the Valencia bench on Vinicius’ way off the pitch. 