“50 years of Osha, congratulations Grandpa Nelson Poppy Rodríguez,” reads the message of an emotional video shared by a Cuban user on the TikTok platform, showcasing a vibrant religious and musical celebration in the Bronx, New York.
The celebration began in the street, with singing and drumming, and then moved indoors, where friends, family, and musicians paid tribute to the honoree, a Cuban dressed in a blue floral shirt who, visibly moved, enjoyed the rhythm of the batá drums.
The celebration marked a special moment: the 50th anniversary at Osha Yemayá for Nelson Poppy Rodríguez, an important figure within Afro-Cuban religion. Such ceremonies are often filled with spirituality, respect for the orishas, and a deep connection to the community.
The attendees, many of them dressed in white, danced and sang in honor of Yemayá, the goddess of the waters and protective mother in the Yoruba pantheon, while the drums resonated with strength and devotion.
The video, which is already circulating on social media, stands out not only for the energy of the celebration but also for demonstrating how Cuban religious traditions remain alive and vibrant outside the island.
Nelson, the protagonist of the event, received expressions of affection and respect for his five decades of religious dedication, during a ceremony filled with symbolism, music, and spirituality.
Frequently asked questions about the 50th anniversary celebration of Osha Yemayá by Nelson Poppy Rodríguez
Who is Nelson Poppy Rodríguez and what did he celebrate in New York?
Nelson Poppy Rodríguez is an important figure within Afrocuban religion who celebrated his 50th anniversary in the Osha Yemayá in New York. The ceremony included songs, drumbeats, and the participation of friends, family, and musicians, highlighting the cultural and spiritual connection of the Cuban community in the Bronx.
What does Afro-Cuban religion mean and who is Yemayá?
Afrocuban religion, also known as santería or regla de Ocha, is a spiritual practice with Yoruba roots that has remained alive in Cuba and its diaspora. Yemayá is one of the most revered deities within this religion, known as the protective mother of the sea and of all the orishas. Ceremonies in her honor typically include music, dances, and offerings as an act of devotion and respect.
How is the Cuban religious tradition kept alive outside the island?
The Cuban religious tradition remains alive outside the island through ceremonies, festivities, and community practices that connect emigrants with their cultural and spiritual roots. Events such as the tribute to Nelson Poppy Rodríguez in the Bronx are examples of how these traditions are preserved and celebrated, strengthening the bonds of identity and faith among Cubans in the diaspora.
Filed under:
