Santeria

Santería is an Afro-Caribbean religion that developed primarily in Cuba, blending elements of traditional Yoruba beliefs from West Africa with Roman Catholicism. Its followers worship a pantheon of deities known as orishas, each associated with specific aspects of nature, human traits, or life events, and often corresponding to Catholic saints. Santería emphasizes rituals, offerings, drumming, dancing, and divination as ways to communicate with the orishas and seek guidance, protection, or blessings. Ancestor veneration, spiritual cleansing, and community ceremonies are also central to the practice, which functions as both a religious and cultural tradition for many adherents.

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