With his tender look and friendly attitude, the capibara – known as the most sympathetic animal in the world – has conquered the Internet and, recently, also the processional courtships. His image, characterized as Roman or cucurucho, has become a trend between loaders and devotees, who have integrated it to their clothing during Lentcausing a sensation.
However, this wave of sympathy generated a stir in some religious sectors. The popularity of capibara led to ecclesiastical authorities of Antigua Guatemala They prohibited their carrying on one of the processional tours of the weekend, with the aim of preserving the solemnity of the courtships.
Originally from South America, this semiacuatic rodent – the largest in the world – did not reach its fame by chance. Videos, memes and viral photographs in Tiktok and Instagram, which show their peaceful and sociable character, made it, since the end of 2024, a global cultural phenomenon.
The trend grew even more after the launch of a sticky song entitled Capibaraplayed by a Russian singer. Since then, his figure has been marketed and transformed into a footballer, singer and, now, Cucurucho, consolidating himself as one of the most curious and commented icons of the moment.
What is a capibara?
Also known as Carpincho, Capibara is the largest rodent in the world and lives in much of the north and center of South America. It is a semiacuatic mammal that stands out for its sociable nature and its ability to harmonically live together with other species.
According to National Geographicthe capibaras – like the beavers – are excellent swimmers. Their body, similar to that of a pig, is perfectly adapted to life in the water, which allows them to inhabit in rivers, lagoons, seasonal floods and wetlands.
Their quiet character, their tender appearance and peaceful coexistence with other animals have made them a symbol of sympathy and, for many, the most friendly animal on the planet.
Personalized Capibara doll of Roman, used by faithful in the Lenten tours. (Juan Diego González)
His image, a prohibited sensation in Lent
The popularity of Capibara has even reached the most solemn acts of Lent. Its tender figure, characterized as Cucurucho or Romano, has been incorporated by merchants and devotees in processional costumes, hair hooks and even as an ornament in the funeral marches. This trend, which has flooded Tiktok with viral videos, caught the attention of faithful … and also of the religious authorities.
A Cucurucho Capibara pic.twitter.com/G0DMTYW1VZ
– ILSIE REBOIL (@ILSIE502) March 14, 2025
Before the stir, the brotherhood of Santa Ana, in Antigua Guatemala, issued a statement in which it prohibited the use of these accessories during the courtship of the fourth Sunday of Lent, in which the consecrated images of Jesús Nazareno of the sweet look and Mary Most Holy of pains procession.
“Lent time is of penance, prayer and fasting, and demands the greatest solemnity,” said the brotherhood, which urged the loading brothers and charger to avoid the use of accessories outside the religious context, such as capibaras, sun lenses or inappropriate clothing.
Instead, it was recommended to carry a Rosary, Camadula or denarius, and pray during the processional tour, remembering that, beyond a tradition, it is an expression of Catholic faith.
This action unleashed a series of comments in the publication, some against and others in favor of the decision.
Capibaras for the head: the new Lent fashion
A curious trend has been unleashed in this Lent: Capibaras that adorn the head of devotees of all ages. Children and adults have adopted this nice little animal, personalized as a cucurucho, as an accessory to accompany their processional tours.
In the streets, they are seen parading between hair, hats and even on the shoulders of the loaders, subjects with creative brooches that demonstrate both the ingenuity of the merchants and the attraction they exert on the buyers. An unexpected fashion that has added tenderness to an era of deep solemnity.
@cfmartinez79 The capibara invaded us in this Lent 2025 🥰😂💜