In Havana, priests from the Santeria religion have warned of the potential ramifications of rising homicides and an increase in illness, which could exacerbate an already challenging economic crisis in Cuba, leading to a historic number of people migrating abroad.
Known as babalawos, dozens of the priests from the 10 de Octubre municipality in Havana shared their annual “Letter of the Year,” which contains prophecies related to misfortune, disease, and other events eagerly anticipated by Santeria followers.
Santeria, a ritual-filled religion practiced by millions of Cubans, combines Catholicism with ancient African beliefs brought to Cuba by slaves.
The babalawos’ divination ritual for 2024 predicted a mix of favorable omens and potential misfortunes, according to babalawo Lazaro Cuesta, a key organizer of the priests who gathered for their annual ritual on New Year’s Eve.
Cuesta cautioned, “If one fails to honor commercial agreements, neglects commitments, or falls short on promises, the repercussions could be terrible.”
The priests’ predictions come amid an economic crisis that has plagued Cubans for four years, resulting in worsening shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and other goods.
The Cuban government, a communist regime, attributes the economic difficulties to U.S. sanctions.
On Monday, Cuba’s other main association of Santeria priests, who form the government-recognized Yoruba Association of Cuba, published their predictions for 2024, advising authorities to address alcohol and drug consumption and “the increase in criminal activities.”
(Reporting by Nelson Acosta; Editing by Brendan O’Boyle and Stephen Coates)
