Manix Restaurant owner Hector España married long-time love of his life, Eliva, at Ajijic’s San Andres church Saturday, June 16.
Hundreds of friends and relatives, including some 100 expats, attended the wedding fiesta held in West Ajijic under clear blue skies. Guests were exposed to many traditional marriage customs, such as the dance where money is pinned to the groom and bride by guests who want to take a turn on the dance floor with them, the vibora del mar, where the single women and, later the men, form a serpent line and snake under bride’s vail before preparing to catch the bouquet and the garter respectively.
A very enjoyable tradition was the “mandilon” ceremony where the tables area turned and the husband puts on an apron, cradles a (real live) baby and a broom, while the bride gives him some distinct nudges on the behind with a belt.
Seven gorgeous wedding cakes were prepared and donated to the couple by the Culinary Arts Society of Ajijic (CASA). Ali Hammurabi Ochoa Velazquez and Eduardo Andres Perez Espiritu, two culinary students sponsored by CASA, prepared and decorated the cakes with expert guidance from members Carol Westbrook, Michele Lococo and Roberta Kalan.
Later, in a definitely local custom, thousands of confetti filled eggs were passed out and a melee ensued as guests young and old, and the wedding couple, enjoyed “cracking” thems on the heads of everyone present.
The food was excellent, the wine flowed, the musicians kept on playing and family and friends danced the afternoon away.