Religion, Festivals, And Holidays

Cubans were not allowed to practice any religion and were punished for it for a very long time. The situation began to change in the 1970s, and eventually Cubans were allowed to practice their religion freely albeit with some limitations. The country's constitution was amended in 1992 to grant unrestricted religious freedom throughout the nation. Currently, Catholicism is practiced by around 60% of Cuba's people.

Cuba has a Catholic tradition, although the government has frequently repressed religious expression. Since Pope John Paul II's visit, it has become less taboo, and there are now more pressing matters to attend to.

In Cuba, there are a number of hybrid religions that combine indigenous African religions and Catholicism. The most popular one is named "Santera," and its priests are easily identifiable thanks to their beaded necklaces and complete white garb.

Many Cubans follow Santera, a blend of Christianity and African traditional religion that was once embraced by African slaves who were brought to the island by Europeans to labor on its plantations. These people faced prejudice from Cuba's other religious communities since they were frequently connected to witchcraft and magic. Racist attitudes exist since the religion is primarily practiced by the nation's black population. As a result, many Santera adherents turned to a covert form of their faith to escape prejudice.

Since Christianity is the most practiced religion in Cuba, Christian holidays are observed there with tremendous fervor and delight. The dates of January 1 and July 26 are secular holidays, and both are connected to significant moments in the Cuban Revolution. The nation also observes May Day, the holiday celebrated by the Communist Party. Since October 10 commemorates the anniversary of Cuba's uprising against Spain, it is also a holiday.