Religion in Cuba

Religion

The Cuban Constitution states freedom of religion and cult and establishes the separation between Church and State. Although religion does not play an underlying role in Cuban social life, it is common to see religious elements and manifestations. 40% of the population is regarded to be roman-catholic, a relatively low percentage for a former Spanish colony. Only 3% joins protestant trends like Methodists, Episcopal or Baptists. In the last few years, the Catholic Church has experienced an increase in the number of followers, especially young people, favored in great measure by the Pope John Paul II´s visit in 1998.Only 2% of the population is Jewish or Muslim. Although in the 1920s the Jewish community in Cuba bloomed, above all in Havana, at present no major Jewish or Muslim institutions remain as a result of most of them migrating to the US during the 60s. Today there are around 3000 Jews and followers of Islam.

The African cults practiced in Cuba constitute a fusion of Christian and African elements, in which the latter dominate. The African slaves were forced to adopt the Christian faith, so this liaison help them keep alive their own religion and culture that were suppressed for so long. After the Revolution many of their traditions have been rescued. In these cults, where deities of both religions are closely matched, the underlying elements are music, offerings and trance. Basically three African cults exist in Cuba: Palo Monte, Abacuá and Santería, out of which the latter is the most rooted and widespread. Among the Christian community, it is perfectly normal to request the favor and help of the Orishas or African deities. This may be by means of offerings, sacrifices or simply wearing outfits or bead-colored necklaces inherent to any one of them. That is why it is commonplace on this island to find spots that sell such items. This popular faith is not only limited to the dark-skinned population, but also extends to the other sectors. For the foreign eye it could all be a fantasy, but for Cubans it is an expression of their own history and mixture of cultures. Though there is no official figure, it is understood that most Cubans have some connection to this religion.