Overview of Santería
Santería, also known as Regla de Ocha or Lucumí, is an Afro Cuban religion rooted in the Yoruba traditions brought to Cuba by enslaved West Africans. In colonial Cuba, Yoruba people, called Lucumí, preserved the worship of the orishas within mutual aid societies known as cabildos. Over time, devotees linked each orisha with Catholic saints, giving rise to the name Santería, the way of the saints, though many practitioners prefer the terms Regla de Ocha or Lucumí.
Santería centers on Olodumare, the supreme being, and the orishas, such as Elegguá, guardian of crossroads; Changó, thunder and drums; Yemayá, the sea and motherhood; Ochún, rivers, love and sweetness; and Obatalá, peace and purity. Practitioners seek guidance through divination with cowrie shells or the Ifá system, led by priests called santeros, santeras and babalawos. Initiation, known as making saint, binds a person to a guardian orisha and opens a path of spiritual responsibility.
Ceremonies called tambores or bembés feature batá drums, songs in Lucumí, a liturgical form of Yoruba, and dances that invite orishas to possess devotees. Santería spread with Cuban migration to the United States, Venezuela, Mexico and Spain. Travelers in Havana, Matanzas and Santiago de Cuba may notice initiates dressed entirely in white during their year long iyawó period, along with altars, beaded necklaces and street murals honoring the orishas. Many visitors find it unforgettable.
Core beliefs
- Olodumare is the supreme creator of the universe.
- Orishas govern natural forces and human life.
- Each person has a guardian orisha and a destiny.
- Aché is the sacred energy that sustains all things.
- Ancestors, called egun, must be honored.
- Divination reveals guidance and appropriate offerings.
Practices and worship
- Divination with cowrie shells, called dilogún, and Ifá.
- Offerings of food, flowers, candles and animal sacrifice in some rites.
- Drumming ceremonies with batá drums and dance.
- Initiation, followed by a year dressed in white.
- Wearing beaded necklaces called elekes for protection.
- Maintaining home altars for orishas and ancestors.
Pilgrimage in Santería
The Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, near Santiago de Cuba, is Cuba's most important pilgrimage site and is cherished by Catholics and Santería practitioners devoted to Ochún. The Church of Our Lady of Regla, across the bay from Havana, draws devotees of Yemayá. Each December, pilgrims make the journey to the Sanctuary of San Lázaro at El Rincón, some crawling as a vow. Matanzas, the birthplace of rumba, is also a center of Afro Cuban religion.
Major festivals
| Festival | When | About |
|---|---|---|
| Feast of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre | 8 September | Honors Cuba's patron saint, associated with Ochún, with processions and offerings of sunflowers and honey. |
| Feast of Our Lady of Regla | 7 September | Honors the Virgin of Regla, linked with Yemayá, with a procession through the harbor town of Regla near Havana. |
| Feast of Saint Lazarus | 17 December | Thousands of pilgrims walk to El Rincón to honor Saint Lazarus, associated with the orisha Babalú Ayé. |
Etiquette for visitors
- Attend ceremonies only by invitation and ask before taking photos.
- Do not touch altars, beads or ritual objects.
- Avoid taking photos of iyawó initiates without permission.
- Dress modestly and in light colors if attending a ceremony.
- Be wary of tourist traps that offer instant initiations or readings.
Map of Santería sacred sites
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Santería and Catholicism?
Santería is rooted in Yoruba religion and honors the orishas. It uses Catholic saints as parallels, but its beliefs and rituals are distinct.
Why are some people in Cuba dressed all in white?
They are likely iyawó, new initiates of Santería who wear white for a year. It symbolizes purity and spiritual rebirth.
Where can travelers learn about Santería in Havana?
The Asociación Cultural Yoruba de Cuba in Havana has a museum of the orishas. Callejón de Hamel hosts Afro Cuban music and art on Sundays.
