Mexico president claims he has proof of mythical Mayan woodland spirit in photo
Mexico's president has shared a photo he claims is proof of the existence a mythological woodland spirit similar to an elf.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador seemed to be serious in his analysis of a photo taken by an engineer which he believes to be an "alux" - a mischievous woodland spirit in Mayan folklore.
The 69-year-old, who has been in the role since 2018, wrote on Twitter: "I share two photos of our supervision of the Mayan Train works: one, taken by an engineer three days ago, apparently from an alux; another, by Diego Prieto of a splendid pre-Hispanic sculpture in Ek Balam. Everything is mystical."
According to traditional Mayan belief, "aluxes" are small, mischievous creatures that inhabit forests and fields and are prone to playing tricks on people, like hiding things. Some people leave small offerings to appease them.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has expressed reverence for indigenous cultures and beliefs (AFP via Getty Images)The photo, which was taken at night, shows a tree with a branch forming what looks like a halo of hair and what may be stars forming the figure’s eyes.
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Lopez Obrador has expressed reverence for indigenous cultures and beliefs during his tenure.
Engineers and workers are in the Yucatan peninsula, constructing a tourist train that is the president’s pet project.
Mayan traditions are taken very seriously in Mexico, particularly one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Chichen Itza.
Last month, a Polish tourist was whacked over the head with a large wooden stick after sparking fury by climbing the steps of the ancient Mayan temple.
The tourist was the latest visitor to feel the wrath of locals and other tourists after breaching a ban on ascending the 82ft pyramid.
'Aluxes' are small, mischievous creatures that inhabit forests and fields, according to Mayan belief (@lopezobrador_)
Lopez Obrador said 'everything is mystical' when he shared this photo (@lopezobrador_)Footage taken by onlookers showed him being escorted down the steps by two security guards before being surrounded and abused.
Moments later a bare-chested man in shorts and sandals, seen resting a long stick on his shoulder as the tourist descended the pyramid, approached him from behind and whacked him over the back of the head with the weapon.
The unnamed Polish holidaymaker is thought to have been fined 5,000 pesos (£212) after being held in custody for around 12 hours, appeared to be momentarily stunned and looked back behind him while covering his head with his hands but seemed to make no attempt to retaliate.
He is understood to have told the authorities he accessed the non-authorised area to take photos and post them on his social media.
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