Aurora Machado Ibarra, recognized as the lead santera of Santiago de Cuba, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2026, as announced that same day by the Casa del Caribe on its Facebook page.
The institutional message expressed "deep sorrow" and extended condolences to "relatives, godchildren, and friends in general" of the deceased.
The institution emphasized the place that Machado held in the cultural and spiritual life of the city: "We will always remember her at the Caribbean Festivals, especially in the religious activities and in the festival parades alongside other religious leaders of the city."
Aurora Machado was a deeply rooted figure in the Afro-Cuban religious community of Santiago de Cuba, where she served as a godmother to numerous initiates in the Regla de Ocha, also known as Cuban santería or Lucumí religion, an Afro-Cuban religious tradition with Yoruba roots.
The title of "santera mayor" is not an official institutional position, but rather a community recognition reserved for santeras with a long history, extensive ritual experience, and high prestige within their house of santo.
The news sparked a widespread wave of condolences on social media. Dozens of people who called her "godmother," "mother," and "spiritual guide" left farewell messages. One of them wrote: "Oh, godmother, what a great sorrow, I am at a loss for words regarding how I feel. May you rest in peace, mother, guide, example to all your loved ones, godchildren, friends, neighbors, and everyone who had the privilege of sharing moments with you in this life."
Another internet user recalled their direct participation in initiation ceremonies: "Light and progress, eternal glory for your spirit, I remember you worked in my Ocha, you were the one who brought the notebook in my ita," referring to rituals specific to the Regla de Ocha. Several comments called upon Obatalá —the orisha of creation, purity, and wisdom in the Yoruba pantheon, associated with the color white— to illuminate his spirit, suggesting a special connection between Machado and this deity.
An internet user even employed the ritual phrase "Ibae bayen tonu," a Lucumí ritual expression used in the Rule of Ocha or Cuban santería to honor the memory of the deceased, especially ancestors and elder religious figures.
A goddaughter recounted a detail that moved those following the post: "You closed your eyes and it began to rain, and it hasn't stopped. May your spirit give us the strength to carry on." Another wrote: "You left, but I was able to give you one last kiss. I carry you in my heart and treasure all the wonderful moments we shared."
The House of the Caribbean, founded on June 23, 1982, in the Vista Alegre neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba, is the main center for research and promotion of popular cultures and Afro-Caribbean religions in the city. It annually organizes the Caribbean Festival or Fire Festival, which has been celebrated since 1981.
In its 45th edition, held from July 3 to 5, 2026 in a reduced format due to the Cuban energy crisis, the festival suspended the traditional parades, which were precisely the spaces where Machado left his visible mark alongside other spiritual leaders.
Santiago de Cuba is historically a Cuban city with a significant concentration and diversity of Afro-Caribbean religious expressions, including santería, Palo Monte, Haitian Vodou, and cross-spirits. The loss of figures like Aurora Machado represents not only a personal grief for her religious family but also the disappearance of a link in the chain of oral and ritual transmission of these traditions.
In December 2024, Aldo Durades Román, president of the Bantu Institution of Cuba, passed away at the age of 87, another prominent figure of Afro-Cuban spirituality whose departure also mourned this community.
"EPD. Aurora, your memory will remain among us. Each festival will be a lasting tribute to your kindness and activism," wrote one of the internet users who bid farewell to the santera mayor on social media.
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