Cuba's Spiritual Leaders Seek Peace Amid Rising Tensions

In Cuba, spiritual leaders from the Afro-Cuban religion Santería are stepping up their efforts to promote peace and harmony. With tensions between the United States and Cuba on the rise, these priests and priestesses are turning to their deities for help. They believe that through prayers and offerings, they can ease the impact of the growing conflicts and economic struggles. The Santería community held several ceremonies recently, where they offered gifts to their deities and prayed for the well-being of the Cuban people. They chanted in ancient Yoruba, a language brought to the island by enslaved Africans and passed down through generations. This blend of African and Spanish traditions has shaped Cuba's unique Afro-Cuban identity. Lázaro Cuesta, a well-known priest, organized one of these ceremonies in the courtyard of an old house. He explained that they believe their sacrifices and prayers can help mitigate the negative effects of the current situation. The priests, known as babalawos, predicted earlier this year that violence and conflict would mark 2020, both in Cuba and around the world.Just days after their predictions, the United States took action against Venezuela, one of Cuba's closest allies. The attack shocked the Cuban population and highlighted the growing tensions in the region. Cuba is also facing a tightening of U. S. sanctions, which are putting pressure on its economy and political system. Yusmina Hernández, a 49-year-old homemaker, participated in one of the ceremonies. She said that as religious people, they always try to stay away from anything negative. The ceremonies involve various rituals, including animal sacrifices and offerings of food. The priests and parishioners believe these actions can bring about positive change and harmony. Eraimy León, a 43-year-old babalawo, explained that their actions are for the good of society. They hope to prevent conflict and violence and promote health and harmony. The ceremonies are a way for the community to come together and seek spiritual guidance during challenging times.