Afro-Cuban Religions

African-derived religions enrich all aspects of Cuba’s social, cultural and everyday life; and encompasses all ethnic and social groups. Politics, art and civil events such as weddings, funerals, festivals all possess distinctly Afro-Cuban characteristics. Miguel Barnet provides a concise guide to the various traditions and branches of Afro-Cuban religions. He distinguishes between the two most important forms – the Regla de Ocha (Santeria) and the Regla de Palo Monte. Regla de Ocha promotes worship of the Orisha (gods) and uses traditional oracles that originated in the old Yoruba city of Ile-Ife. The Regla de Palo Monte came from the Congo area. The term palo refers to the ritual use of trees and plants which are believed to have magical powers. Africans who were brought to Cuba as slaves recreated that traditions in their new Caribbean context. As their African heritage collided with Catholicism and with Native American and European traditions, certain African traditions became more prominent while others lost their significance in the Cuban culture. The roles of music and dance as forms of Cuban religious expression are also discussed together with descriptions of special instruments and symbols employed. The book ends with an enthusiastic depiction of Barnet’s research journey to West Africa, the Land of the Orishas.