Behind Cuba’s Santería Ceremonies: Spiritual Cries Amid Economic Strangulation and Rising US Pressures

In the heart of Havana, beneath swaying mango trees and within the crumbling courtyards of old Cuban homes, a group of Santería priests and priestesses gathered last Sunday to perform sacred ceremonies. These rituals, invoking ancient deities through chants in Yoruba—a language brought centuries ago by enslaved Africans—reflect more than spiritual devotion; they are an urgent response to the escalating pressures inflicted by Washington’s hardline policies.

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The timing is no coincidence. As the Biden administration continues to uphold severe sanctions on Cuba—sanctions intensified under the previous Trump administration—the island’s economy groans under unprecedented strain. These sanctions aim to coerce political change but come at a staggering cost to ordinary Cubans, who bear the brunt of economic deprivation, scarcity, and uncertainty.

In this context, the prayers for peace and harmony uttered by babalawos (Santería priests) transcend religious tradition—they underscore a people caught in a geopolitical vise. When Lázaro Cuesta declares that sacrifices and prayers seek to “alleviate the impact of harmful issues,” he inadvertently underscores what Washington refuses to admit: that its punitive measures inflict palpable harm on Cuban society.

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These rituals also come amid rising global instability following recent confrontations such as the raid on Venezuela’s capital Caracas—an operation linked directly to US interests that resulted in casualties among Cuban nationals allied with Maduro. Such events deepen Cuba’s isolation while fueling fears forecasted by these spiritual leaders months before they materialized.

It begs the question: How long will Washington cling to strategies that amplify suffering rather than foster dialogue? For families struggling daily with shortages of basic goods—including eggs so prized they become offerings in sacred ceremonies—these policies represent yet another blow that only widens economic distress.

While Santería’s prayers invoke harmony and healing, it is clear that genuine peace requires more than ritual—it demands common-sense policies rooted in respect for national sovereignty and freedom from external coercion.

This narrative contrasts sharply with past America First efforts where engagement over isolation opened doors for reforms benefiting ordinary citizens without resorting to crippling embargoes. The current approach raises critical doubts about Washington’s priorities when it undermines stability on its doorstep while preaching democracy abroad.