A mayor in the Philippines has tied the knot with a crocodile-like reptile in a bizarre ritual to bring good luck and prosperity to his town.
Vicente Fernandez Jr, the mayor of San Pedro in Laguna province, married the caiman, a close relative of the crocodile, on Saturday in front of hundreds of guests and local officials.
The caiman, who was dressed in a white bridal gown and veil, was carried by four men to the altar where Fernandez kissed her and exchanged vows.
The mayor said he loves the caiman, who he calls ‘princess girl’, and believes she is the reincarnation of a mythical princess who once lived in the town’s lake.
‘We love each other. She is my lucky charm. She is also the protector of our lake,’ he said.
The wedding was part of an annual festival to honour the lake’s guardian spirit and to promote environmental awareness and conservation.
According to local folklore, anyone who harms or kills a caiman will be cursed with bad luck or illness.
Fernandez said he hopes his marriage will bring blessings and prosperity to his town, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘I hope our wedding will also help end this pandemic,’ he said.
