For Cubans, Santa Bárbara embodies immense power. Some see her as the venerable Catholic saint who was beheaded by her father for defending her faith. Others view her as Changó, one of the most popular orishas from the pantheon brought to the island by African slaves. In either case, she is fervently revered by thousands of devotees across the country.
According to Dayana, every December fourth she offers gifts to her virgin and lights a candle so that she watches over her children and allows her to prosper in her business to be able to buy herself a "home of her own" soon.
"The Cuban is compelled to seek something to believe in through religion in order not to succumb to all the problems they face, from food to transportation or housing," explains the 32-year-old woman.
According to Evarista, a 76-year-old member of the Catholic Church in Cuba, "we are a mixed people. Enslaved Black people came with their African deities and incorporated them into the Catholic saints to carry out their rites. This does not mean that the devotion to Saint Barbara does not translate to love for Christ."
In Catholic imagery, Saint Barbara lived in the 4th century near Constantinople and is venerated in both the West and the East. She holds the sword with which her father, Dioscoro, beheaded her and is invoked against storms and the dangers of sudden death, as her executioner was abruptly punished by a lightning strike.
"More than a warrior, Saint Barbara represents a symbol of unwavering faith, typically associated with a crown and a red mantle. She is often depicted with peacock feathers as this animal symbolizes resurrection and immortality," it affirms.
As Reinier recalls, "despite being a child of La Caridad del Cobre, every December fourth I offer a tribute to Santa Bárbara because she got me out of jail. I was imprisoned, and I was released on the same day I was incarcerated because I asked Changó for help. That’s why I offer black princes, which are his favorite flowers, along with bananas, apples, and red or dry wine. Some also offer okra and corn."
Changó is the greatest of all. One of the seven African powers. He is a saint associated with the resolution of problems, whether good or bad. It is said that Changó fears the dead, but in reality, he represents joy, dance, music, fire, masculine strength, and life.
"Both Changó and Santa Bárbara grant us health, prosperity, affection, and mercy. I look for a palm tree, touch it, call upon it, and ask for my loved ones. It is also associated with thunder and the number 6. He delivers strong punishment and protects children. He is the one we always call to quickly resolve any difficulty," states the 41-year-old taxi driver.
It is believed that the first image of Santa Bárbara that arrived in Cuba dates back to 1599. The national sanctuary of this virgin is located in the capital area of Párraga.
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