Mass Valentine's Day Marriages in Zócalo: Añorve Presides

(Acapulco, NA 14 February) In the Zócalo on Sunday, simultaneously, 165 couples “tied the knot” in what was called a “mega boda” by the municipal government, who promoted the event. The recently returned mayor, Manuel Añorve Baños, presided.

Normally it costs about US$300 in fees and other expenses to take care of the legal arrangements for the civil marriage. (This is required of all couples for legal purposes in Mexico; the religious part is considered optional by the state.) On this one occasion, the city’s Department of Social Development picked up the tab, which totaled about $235,000 pesos. Each couple received a veil for the bride, a corsage for the groom, a floral arrangement for the bride, and two rings, in addition to a waiver of all fees.

Couples of all ages and conditions were married: some in their sixties, and others in their teens; some with babes in arms and others with babies well on their way. Most wore white; a few were in t-shirts and sandals. One couple, who had come all the way from Cacahuatepec, finally married after 36 years of living together. After the event, there was cake and refreshments for all, and a raffle for several gifts.