Mass wedding to overtake convent in Izamal
Izamal is preparing for a mass wedding Friday, when 1,055 couples will exchange vows.
The state Director of the Civil Registry, Karla Franco Blanco, will personally oversee the logistics of the mass wedding, which will draw an estimated 5,000 people, including guests and witnesses.
The program has been unexpectedly popular. Initially, officials expected just 500 couples to head down the aisle.
The marriages to approved low-income couples will be performed at no cost. Price could be one reason so many couples live together without marriage. To do it formally can cost 2,300 pesos or more for licenses and a clinical certificate, according to one report.
Marriage will give couples the right to share social security benefits, asset protection, education and food programs. The state program was begun by Gov. Rolando Zapata Bello in 2013.
Couples from 98 municipalities have applied to be part of the ceremony. One couple already together for 68 years will be “making it official” on Friday.
Street closures around Convento San Antonio de Padua are expected. Couples will be joined in holy matrimony in the atrium of the Franciscan monastery.
Couples are expected to start arriving from 4 p.m. for a 6 p.m. wedding mass.
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