Mexican mayor marries reptile

Victor Hugo Sosa wed the alligator-like caiman reptile Alicia Adriana as he re-enacted an ancient ritual that is believed to bring good fortune to the people of San Pedro Huamelula.

Local tradition calls the creature the 'princess girl' and the mayor revealed that the pair "loved each other" as they entered into holy matrimony.

Sosa said during the ritual: "I accept responsibility because we love each other. That is what is important.

"You can't have marriage without love... . I yield to marriage with the princess girl."

Weddings between a man and a female caiman have taken place in the town for more than 200 years to commemorate the peace between the Chontal and Huave indigenous groups.

The mayor represents the Chontal king and marries the reptile - who symbolises a Huave princess girl - in a union of the two communities.

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.