Every February 14th, Mexico celebrates El día de amor y amistad, the Day of Love and Friendship aka Valentine’s Day. While the Mexican holiday extends beyond just the romantic by also highlighting the value of platonic friendships, the relationships shared by couples are still a big part of the occasion. One of the ways the day is marked is through the holding of mass municipal wedding ceremonies in towns and cities across the country. These ceremonies, known as Bodas colectivas, collective weddings, are usually held on the 14th itself and are often well- attended, with many couples choosing to marry this way.

In Mexico, only civil marriages are recognized by the government. In practice this means that even those who have a religious ceremony still need to go through the process of a civil marriage, which involves the filing of identification documents, finding up to four witnesses depending on the state, and paying the fees required for the service. For many people, especially those in poorer states, the costs involved can be prohibitive, especially if the couple also wishes to have a celebration or reception to commemorate their vows. This is thought to be one of the main factors behind the high number of cohabiting couples in the country whose unions are not legally recognized. In fact, it is estimated that over 50 percent of couples living together do not have documented marriages, with that number being even higher in economically deprived areas and more isolated communities.

Bodas colectivas are organized in part to help tackle this issue, by offering participants a free alternative to the normal civil procedure, allowing for the regularization of marriages for those who cannot afford a more traditional wedding. While couples still need to register all of their official documents in advance, there is no fee for the group wedding. The event is organized by local governments and is often officiated by local dignitaries such as mayors or municipal presidents. As part of the event many local authorities will organize a joint reception with food, entertainment and a wedding cake, which may be free or at relatively low cost. Couples may still choose to have their own separate reception if they so wish, or even enjoy both!

It is not uncommon for local businesses to get involved and offer discounted services such as hairdressing, professional makeup or the rental of formalwear. These services are sometimes subsidized by the authority hosting the event. Some will also organize raffles with prizes including honeymoons available to the newlyweds. This is more common in larger municipalities with greater resources.

These occasions are particularly popular among young couples both due to the low cost and relative simplicity of the procedure, although parental consent is required for participants under 18 years of age. The minimum ages will vary from state and in some areas will be different for men and women. They are also very popular with couples living in Indigenous communities who wish to make their unions officially recognized. This is often because having a regularized marriage is seen as beneficial for a couple’s children, ensuring both parents are recognized and securing access to government services.

2023 also marked the first year where same sex couples were able to take part in Bodas colectivas in every single state in Mexico. In some states, this has been permitted for several years, however this year is historic in its acceptance in all 32 states. In addition to the traditional ceremony, which is open to all, some authorities also ran separate events focused on LGBT couples.

This type of wedding may not be the norm in the English-speaking world, however they are more common in parts of Asia, such as the Philippines. Mexico is not the only Latin American country to engage in the practice, with group weddings also being organized in parts of Peru. In Mexico there is no stigma associated with group weddings, and the events are largely viewed positively. With the current increasing cost of living and economic pressure being felt by many families, it seems likely that their popularity is only set to increase, as suggested by the increased attendance at this year’s celebrations.

The best way to experience Mexican culture and occasions is by spending them with local families away from tourist resorts. Na’atik offers a unique nonprofit language immersion program, where your Spanish or Maya lessons are augmented by a homestay experience in the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Sharing meals and spare time with local and Indigenous people makes this a not to be missed opportunity to see the authentic Mexico. Every visit helps us to provide life changing educational opportunities to local children. Visit our immersion page or contact us on say@naatikmexico.org to find out more.