Duration: | 8 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
Tour Category: | Arts |
The most widely practiced religion in Cuba is santería, known also as the regla de ocha or Yoruba religion after the orishas or gods from western Nigeria. During the ceremonies in honor of the orishas, each one is invoked by using his or her distinctive drum rhythm and dance. Some of the initiated participants may appear to become possessed and assume certain aspects of the orisha’s personality. Just how far you wish to delve into such rituals is entirely at your discretion.
The annual festivals of the most popular orishas draw huge crowds. On 16 December, the eve of the feast of San Lázaro or Babalú Ayé, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims make their way to the sanctuary at El Rincón in southern Havana.
Some of the more devout drag themselves along on their hands and knees, often with large stones tied to their legs. Another great place to learn more is the Museo de los Orishas (Paseo de Martí (Prado) #615, entre Máximo Gómez (Monte) y Dragones, 863 5953) – the first museum in the world dedicated to orshas of the Yoruba pantheon.