An Afro-Cuban ritual conducted in front of a Catholic chapel in Havana, which included the sacrifice of animals, has sparked outrage and reactions on social media following the public denunciation of the event by Cuban priest Lester Rafael Zayas Díaz.
"I will never be able to normalize what cannot be normalized," Zayas wrote in a Facebook post, where he recounted how, after celebrating Mass, he found eight dying jicoteas and two sacrificed white roosters under a palm tree, in front of the entrance to a chapel that serves vulnerable individuals.
The place is part of the facilities where the parish offers assistance to pregnant women, children, the elderly, and the sick. “There, in plain view, eight turtles are agonizing and bleeding at the foot of the palm, and two dead white roosters await decomposition,” he denounced.
The priest had found three people performing a ritual under a palm tree at the entrance of the church just hours earlier. When he asked them not to leave any animal remains, they assured him they would not. However, those individuals did not keep their promise.
"Is the sacrifice of jicoteas legal? Where are they sold? Isn't that animal abuse, and even worse, leaving them to suffer?" she questioned, raising doubts not only about ethics but also about the legality of that ritual.
Beyond the specific fact, Zayas focused his reflection on the use of public space for practices that affect third parties and the apparent permissiveness of the State towards certain religious groups.
"Can I take the blessed image of the Virgin of Charity and place it under the palm now during the novena without asking for permission, exercising the same right?" he asked.
The priest clarified that his criticism is not directed at a specific religion. However, he warned: "I cannot respect what contributes to terror and horror."
Zayas went to the headquarters of the Communist Party located across from the site of the incident to report what had happened. The officials received her complaint kindly and informed her that they would forward it to the Cultural Yoruba Association of Cuba, an organization connected to Afro-Cuban religion.
The priest of the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located in El Vedado, one of the most central neighborhoods of the Cuban capital, reminded that it is the duty of the authorities to ensure coexistence and respect in the streets of the country.
"Are the authorities not here to regulate this? Or do they only spring into action to eliminate posters that are inconvenient for them, but that are part of the people's outcry?" the priest questioned.
In a country where various beliefs and spiritual practices converge, the balance between freedom of worship, mutual respect, and coexistence norms remains an unresolved issue.
Reactions on social media: A country out of control
The priest's post generated a flood of comments reflecting widespread public concern over the apparent impunity of such practices in public spaces.
Some users pointed out that in other countries, these ceremonies would be regulated or prohibited: “In Europe or in Miami, you don't see these things because there are laws and public spaces are respected,” stated an internet user.
Others focused their criticism on the unequal treatment between religions: “To hold a Catholic procession, one must request a thousand permits, but sacrificing animals in front of the PCC goes unnoticed,” commented another user.
There were also those who lamented the visual and emotional impact of the ritual: “Do our children have to witness that dreadful spectacle with indifference?” a woman questioned, indignantly.
Animal abuse was another recurring theme in the debate. "Nothing justifies the suffering of an animal. How dreadful. Where are the defenders?" wrote a user, while others questioned whether the ritual was a true expression of faith or a distorted use of religious practices.
In general, the comments agreed on the need for greater institutional control, respect for public spaces, and clear guidelines for coexistence among different beliefs. Many expressed their concern regarding the priest's remarks about the State's passivity in the face of such incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Afro-Cuban Rituals and the Use of Public Space in Cuba
Is the sacrifice of animals in Afro-Cuban rituals in public spaces legal in Cuba?
The sacrifice of animals in Afro-Cuban rituals is not specifically regulated by Cuban law, which generates debates about its legality, especially in public spaces. These acts have caused outrage and raised questions about animal cruelty and the lack of state regulation. In the Cuban context, where religious freedom is often restricted, the use of public space for religious practices remains a controversial issue.
What measures has the Cuban government taken regarding the use of public space for religious rituals?
The Cuban government has shown an apparent leniency towards certain religious groups, such as practitioners of Afro-Cuban religions, allowing the use of public spaces for their rituals. However, it has been criticized for repressing public expressions of Catholic faith, such as the prohibition of historical processions. This highlights a possible double standard in the regulation of religious manifestations in the country.
How do Cuban authorities respond to reports of animal mistreatment during religious rituals?
Cuban authorities have faced criticism for their inaction regarding animal abuse during religious rituals, which has generated widespread public concern. Despite the existence of an Animal Welfare Law, its enforcement is poor, allowing acts of animal cruelty to occur with impunity. The lack of institutional response highlights a gap in the protection of animal rights in Cuba.
What impact does the Cuban government's permissiveness have on religious coexistence in the country?
The Cuban government's permissiveness towards certain religious practices has reignited the debate on coexistence among different beliefs in Cuba. The apparent tolerance towards Afro-Cuban rituals contrasts with the repression of Catholic manifestations, which creates tensions and criticisms regarding the impartiality of the State. This situation highlights the need for a regulatory framework that ensures mutual respect and clear guidelines for the use of public spaces.
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