When the African's were brought to Cuba as slaves, they were forced to worship according to the Roman rites, but covertly continued to worship the old religion with the songs and dances from the motherland. Because of the necessity of Santeria devotees to hide from persecution, the religion has been sensationalized and misrepresented by the press and misinformed individuals. The Santeria community offers its devotees a sacred refuge and support system in a world where the spirit is balanced and perfect. Ruben unlocks the iron door to the second story apartment and greets Ernesto and me with a double hug and a generous smile. Inside, the main room is painted a deep sky blue.
Dinner plates hang on every spare inch of the walls.
In the center of the wall to the left of the doorway my eyes are pulled to a large blue scallop edged plate painted with sunflowers. In the corner next to the back room hangs a photo of Che, Cuba's revolutionary hero. On the back wall is a balcony with a gold painted banister filled with angels, Buddha's, bottles of Champaign, glasses of rum and several large dolls dressed in white, red or blue. Long strands of shells hang off the balcony, which invite the eyes downward to the sacred cupboard and altar against the back wall. On the altar is a crucifix, a statue of Mary and Joseph with the child Jesus, white candles aflame, vases with fresh flowers, glasses of rum and ceramic angels playing musical instruments.