AFRO-CUBAN SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS
PEOPLE - CULTURE EXPERIENCE :::

Explore what is the majority religion in Cuba with a trip to the nearby town of Regla - a stronghold of Afro-Cuban spirituality

DESCRIPTION
The journey begins with a short boat trip on a ferry launch to Regla, a center of Afro-Cuban religion, across the bay from Havana. There the group will meet a local man who has deep knowledge of the spiritual practices and traditions of Regla de Ocha (Santeria), Palo, Abakuá, and Espiritismo. As part of the experience the group will visit the town church "La Virgen de Regla" known for it's black female saint also is known as Yemeyá in the Afro-Yoruba tradition.

Later your guide will introduce travelers to the town museum containing one of the most extensive collections of religious artifacts and ceremonial displays in greater Havana. As part of the museum tour your guide will talk about the principal African based religious traditions in Cuba, how those traditions are practiced, and how religion is integrated into family life. He may also recount some of the "pataquin" or mythological stories of the Orishas (gods of the Regla de Ocha pantheon).

After Regla guests will go to the "Callejon de Hamel" community project in Central Havana to experience the amazing religious and folkloric murals covering the entire space and talk with the sub-director about Afro-Cuban religion and how they keep the traditions alive at their project.

activity type: people-culture experience
your guides: Boogalu host-guide & specialty guides
location: Regla and Central Havana
languages: English-Spanish
duration: 4 hrs.
included: pickup & drop off
booking: see options below

afro-spiritual2
afro-spiritual1
cobre
yemeja-church
throne
regla
evil-eye
ellegua
collares