Santeria (Way of the Saints) is an Afro-Caribbean religion based on Yoruba beliefs and traditions, with some Roman Catholic elements added. The religion is also known as La Regla Lucumi and the Rule of Osha.
Santeria is a syncretic religion that grew out of the slave trade in Cuba.
Photo shows a Santeria shrine in Havana. © Zalewski Michal
Features
Santeria and slaverySanteria was created in Cuba by mingling the Yoruba traditions of enslaved Africans from Nigeria and Benin with the Roman Catholic faith of the Spanish plantation owners.
Rituals and customsSanteria rituals allow human beings to stay in contact with the Orishas. They include dancing, drumming, speaking and eating with the spirits.
