Afro-Cuban

The term Afro-Cuban refers to descendants of African slaves in Cuba, and to cultural elements in Cuba thought to emanate from this community.

Religion

Afro-Cuban religion can be broken down into three main currents: Santería, Palo Monte, and Abakuá, and include individuals of all origins. Santería and Abakuá both have large parts of their liturgy in African languages (Yoruba and Ñañigo, respectively) while Palo Monte uses a mixture of Spanish and Kikongo. Santería and Palo Monte are largely syncretised with Catholicism, though it is generally considered that the African elements outweigh the Catholic ones. The Abakuá religion is in fact a secret society for men, similar to the freemason orders of Europe, which first integrated white (Spanish) members in the late 19th century, but has not been syncretised with Catholicism and remains close to its origins in south-eastern Nigeria. Apart from Rome?s official representation in Cuba and the remnants of the Protestant church (represented by the Ecumenical Council of Cuba), popular Catholicism and independent Protestant groups have been more or less influenced by African beliefs.

Related Topics:
Santería - Palo Monte - Abakuá - Catholicism

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