Snappy ever after! Mexican town mayor 'marries' a CROCODILE dressed in a white gown as part of traditional ceremony

By Associated Press and Daily Mail Reporter

Published: | Updated:

The mayor of a Mexican fishing town 'married' a crocodile dressed in a white gown yesterday, in a symbolic ceremony that's part of a local tradition.

Before the union, the wedding party walked with the crocodile bride through the town of San Pedro Huamelula, in the south of the country.

Town mayor Joel Vasquez Rojas married the reptile at the city hall then danced with it in his arms during a colorful party packed with local residents.

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Snapped up: Mexican town mayor Joel Vasquez Rojas 'married' a crocodile dressed in a white gown yesterday, in a symbolic ceremony that's part of a local tradition

Snapped up: Mexican town mayor Joel Vasquez Rojas 'married' a crocodile dressed in a white gown yesterday, in a symbolic ceremony that's part of a local tradition

To prevent any accidents, the crocodile's jaw was wired shut for the duration.

According to tradition, the animal is a 'princess' and the wedding ritual will bring plenty of seafood for fishermen to catch along the Pacific coast.

'It's my wish to marry the young princess,' mayor Mr Vasquez Rojas said as the pair tied the knot.

Dressed for the occasion: Before the union, the wedding party walked with the crocodile bride through the town of San Pedro Huamelula, in the south of the country

Dressed for the occasion: Before the union, the wedding party walked with the crocodile bride through the town of San Pedro Huamelula, in the south of the country

Lasting memory: The groom said he was delighted at how the day went

Lasting memory: The groom said he was delighted at how the day went

He then danced with his new wife in his arms before guests joined in.

The groom later told reporters that he was delighted with how the day went and loved the excitement.

'A group of Marenos [a local name for village people] welcomed the officials carrying the animal with fireworks . . . because the princess has arrived,' he said.

The crocodile is now referred to as Mr Vasquez Rojas' 'wife'.

Good luck charm: According to tradition, the animal is a 'princess' and the wedding ritual will bring plenty of seafood for fishermen to catch along the Pacific coast

Good luck charm: According to tradition, the animal is a 'princess' and the wedding ritual will bring plenty of seafood for fishermen to catch along the Pacific coast

Community spirit: Members of the local council apparently pay for the wedding festivities, which include dancing and fireworks, and those who don't contribute face a fine

Community spirit: Members of the local council apparently pay for the wedding festivities, which include dancing and fireworks, and those who don't contribute face a fine

One local resident explained the importance of the novel ritual.

'As young people, this means a lot,' said Eduardo Zarate.

'It's the greatest treasure our ancestors have left us.'

Members of the local council apparently paid for the wedding festivities, which included dancing and fireworks, and those who didn't contribute were fined.

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