In the midst of the widespread blackout affecting all of Cuba since early Wednesday, devoted followers of Santa Bárbara held a procession in Trinidad to honor the revered saint, a symbol of protection and strength in difficult times.
Despite the lack of electricity and the challenges facing the country, the believers did not allow the energy crisis to hinder them from upholding their tradition while simultaneously praying for greater well-being for the people in 2025.
Journalist Juan Carlos Naranjo Miranda shared a gallery of images on Facebook showing that hundreds of people participated in the procession to Santa Bárbara, who is syncretized with Changó in the Yoruba pantheon.
"Procession of Santa Bárbara or Changó in Trinidad, Cuba," Naranjo noted in his post.
In a previous post, the journalist noted that "the tribute to Santa Bárbara is among the traditions cherished by Trinidad, Cuba."
Additionally, he stated that the procession would depart from the Cabildo dedicated to that religious deity on Gracia Street and head towards Colón.
Similarly, he indicated that this pilgrimage would lead to Jesús María, passing by Lino Pérez and in front of Paula Church, then continuing to Borrell Street, before heading up to Angustia and turning back to return to Gracia Street.
"The drumming will take place at the town hall at 2 PM," he noted, adding that "the ritual for Santa Bárbara or Changó is part of the rich intangible heritage that distinguishes Trinidad in Cuba."
As is tradition every December 4th, Cubans celebrate Santa Bárbara, who is venerated both in Catholic tradition and in Yoruba religion, where she is syncretized with Changó, the chief Orisha.
At the National Sanctuary of Santa Bárbara in Párraga, devotees from all over the island come to light candles and offer prayers, a tradition that intertwines the sacred with the popular, the spiritual with the ancestral.
This day not only reaffirms the cultural richness of Cuba but also reveals the deep wounds of a nation in crisis.
However, this year the celebration of Santa Bárbara – or Changó – had the distinctive context of taking place amidst the third widespread blackout that Cuba has experienced in less than two months.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Santa Barbara Procession and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
How did the massive blackout affect the celebration of Santa Bárbara in Trinidad?
Despite the blackout, the procession for Santa Bárbara in Trinidad took place with great participation from the faithful, who honored the saint with devotion and perseverance, showcasing their resilience in the face of the energy challenges confronting Cuba.
Why is the figure of Santa Bárbara important in Cuba?
Santa Bárbara is a symbol of protection and strength in difficult times for Cubans. She is syncretized with Changó in Yoruba religion and is revered for her connection to energy and resilience, values that are particularly significant in the current context of crisis in Cuba.
What is the current state of the electrical system in Cuba?
The electric system in Cuba is in a critical situation, with frequent blackouts resulting from a lack of maintenance, fuel shortages, and infrastructure failures. This has led to a significant deficit in electricity generation, affecting millions of Cubans.
What is "creative resistance" in the Cuban context?
"Creative resistance" refers to the ability of Cubans to adapt to adversities, such as blackouts, through clever solutions for carrying out everyday activities. This includes everything from alternative cooking methods to innovative ways of charging electronic devices.
How has the Cuban government responded to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented some measures, such as maintaining power plants and scheduled blackouts. However, these actions have not been enough to resolve the energy crisis, which continues to severely impact the daily lives of citizens.
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