The publication of the Letter of the Year 2026 by the Yoruba Cultural Association of Cuba has sparked a wave of criticism on social media, where many Cubans claim the document appears to be "written by the regime" and avoids any mention of freedom or the crisis the country is experiencing.
“The Yoruba never make predictions about the freedom of Cuba. They talk about hurricanes, the sun, and the rain, but the Cuban saints don't want the freedom of the island?” questioned the profile Arroz Congrí on Facebook, reflecting the feelings of many believers.
Others were more ironic: “The Letter of the Year 2026 is no different from the one from 67 years ago,” wrote another internet user, while a user identified as Yolaika Despaigne Villavicencio joked with images of the Cuban leaders, claiming that they were: "The people who wrote the Yoruba letter for the year 2026."
Comments have multiplied in a mocking tone: "The Lyrics of the PCC, not of Ifá." "People are finally waking up from that story," commented another.
Some santeros defended the tradition but acknowledged that the Yoruba Association "has lost credibility due to its closeness to state institutions."
Others recalled that there are independent letters, such as those issued by groups of priests outside of Cuba, "closer to the people and removed from the control of the Communist Party."
The document released on January 1 was led by the chief priest of Ifá Carlos Argudín Valenzuela (“Awo Ogunda She Omo Ala Aggayú”) and establishes Ogunda Otrupon as the ruling sign, with Oggún as the main deity and Oshún as the companion.
Among their recommendations are warnings about nervous diseases, poisonings, and domestic violence, as well as calls for hygiene and educational social work.
However, many Cubans noticed that the lyrics avoid references to the political, economic, or social reality of the country, focusing instead on moral and general messages.
"I noticed a strange writing style in the Letter of the Year. It seems aimed at correcting distractions and revitalizing witchcraft," commented another user.
Eldris GP summarized the general sentiment: “The true Letter of the Year must be written by the Cuban people, with unity and determination to uproot the greatest curse we have: the communist system.”
The Yoruba Cultural Association of Cuba, established in 1991 and officially recognized by the regime, has been accused on several occasions of serving political interests.
Its headquarters, located at Prado #615 in Old Havana, holds Ifá ceremonies every December 31, featuring babalawos from across the island.
Meanwhile, independent santeros in Cuba and in exile are preparing their own versions of the Letter of the Year, which traditionally include more liberal interpretations and spiritual messages about the need for change, justice, and moral renewal.
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