Every September 7th, Cubans celebrate one of the most important religious festivities of the syncretic calendar: the feast in honor of the Virgin of Regla in Catholicism, and Yemayá in Cuban santería.
This date marks a special day in which the spirituality of Catholic faithful and followers of Santería converge in an act of devotion and respect towards two figures that, although coming from different religious traditions, represent the same to their followers.
The Virgin of Regla: Protector of sailors
The Virgen de Regla, a representation of the Virgin Mary, is venerated as the patroness of sailors and protector of the bay of Havana. Her main church is located in the town of Regla, a locality across the Havana bay, where thousands of faithful gather to pay homage to her.
In Catholic tradition, the Virgen de Regla is an image of the black Virgin, which was brought to Cuba by Spanish colonizers who had inherited this devotion from the region of Andalusia. Over time, her worship took root on the island, where she is considered the protector of fishermen, sailors, and all those whose lives depend on the sea.
Yemayá: The goddess of the sea
On the other hand, Yemayá is one of the most revered deities within Santería, the Afro-Cuban religion that has its roots in the Yoruba cult brought by African slaves to Cuba. Yemayá is the mother of all the orishas (gods) and is known as the queen of the sea, protector of the salty waters and source of life, both for humans and for nature.
In Santería, Yemayá is revered for her strength, wisdom, and ability to protect her children from the dangers of the sea and life. Her devotees identify her with maternal power and, like the Virgen de Regla, associate her with the protection of sailors.
A profound syncretism
Cuban religious syncretism has played a fundamental role in the coexistence and fusion of beliefs.
The figure of the Virgen de Regla is associated with Yemayá due to the similarities in their attributes: both are protectors of the sea, possess a maternal character, and are invoked for protection and guidance in times of difficulty.
This religious fusion is a clear example of how African slaves integrated their beliefs within the framework of the religion imposed by European colonizers, creating an amalgamation that endures to this day.
On September 7th, thousands of people gather at the sanctuary of the Virgin of Regla to pay tribute. Many of them wear blue, the color that identifies Yemayá, and bring offerings such as flowers, fruits, and candles.
The event includes Catholic masses in honor of the Virgin and religious ceremonies of Santería in honor of Yemayá, creating an atmosphere of profound respect and devotion.
The celebration in Regla
The town of Regla becomes the epicenter of the celebration, where the church of the Virgin hosts numerous faithful who participate in masses and processions.
Meanwhile, practitioners of Santería hold ceremonies on the beaches and in the sea, invoking Yemayá and asking for her protection and blessings.
Throughout the day, offerings and songs are made, accompanied by batá drums, typical of Yoruba rituals, and the ringing of Catholic bells in the church.
It is common for devotees to combine both rites, as many Cubans profess a spirituality that integrates both Catholic elements and those of Afro-Cuban religion, which reinforces the syncretic nature of the celebration.
A spiritual refuge in the face of the eternal crisis
The celebration of the Virgin of Regla and Yemayá is not only a display of faith but also of cultural resistance. Through this celebration, Cubans have kept their African roots alive over the centuries, merging them with Catholic traditions and creating a unique identity that persists in the religious and cultural life of the island.
On this September 7, popular devotion will once again fill the streets of Regla and the coasts of all of Cuba with offerings, prayers, and rituals, in tribute to these two powerful figures that represent the union of two worlds: the European and the African. A celebration that transcends religious and cultural boundaries, uniting a people around their spirituality and tradition.
In a moment of profound economic and social crisis in Cuba, faith - whether Catholic or Afro-Cuban - becomes a spiritual refuge for thousands of Cubans facing great daily hardships.
Both the devotion to the Virgin of Regla and the worship of Yemayá provide the faithful with a source of hope, comfort, and strength to endure the scarcity and adversities that characterize daily life on the island.
In the midst of uncertainty, these beliefs offer a way out, a space where devotees can place their worries and find the support that doesn't always come through other means.
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