Alcalde

An alcalde (Spanish for "mayor", from Arabic al-qāḍī meaning "the judge") is a traditional Spanish and Portuguese municipal officer who had both judicial and administrative functions. The term is cognate with the Arabic word al-qadi (القاضي), meaning "judge". It is still used in some Spanish-speaking countries to refer to the mayor of a municipality.

Historically, in Spanish colonial times, the alcalde held considerable power, acting as the chief administrative, judicial, and military officer of a given district or town. Their duties ranged from enforcing laws and maintaining order to collecting taxes and settling disputes. The alcalde was often appointed by the governor or other high-ranking official. The position's importance stemmed from the limited presence of direct royal authority in many areas.

The role and responsibilities of an alcalde have evolved over time and vary from country to country. In modern contexts, the alcalde typically serves as the elected head of the municipal government, similar to a mayor in other countries. Their functions primarily involve executive administration, representing the municipality, and overseeing local services. In some instances, particularly in smaller municipalities, the alcalde may still retain some limited judicial responsibilities, though this is increasingly rare.